AU2023200907A1 - A rotatable guttering system - Google Patents

Abstract

A rotatable gutter system comprising one or more lengths of gutter having an open top trough for normal use in a first in-use-water-transfer position to transfer water along a pathway formed by the one or more lengths of gutter each having end portions fluidly connected to adjacent one or more lengths of gutter or to a diversion pathway such as a downpipe or an angle diversion. The rotatable gutter system has at least one releasable axial rotator functionally connecting to at least one of the one or more lengths of gutter wherein the axial rotator allows at least partial rotational movement of the one or more lengths of gutter about a longitudinal axis extending along the one or more lengths of gutter between the first in-use-water-transfer position and a second debris-removal position in which any debris caught in the trough can egress. 1/4 1 2 6 FIG. 1 FIG. 2

Description

1/4

1

2

6

FIG.1

FIG. 2

A ROTATABLE GUTTERING SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to a rotatable guttering system which

allows easy orientation of guttering to receive and dispense rainwater in one

condition and reduce debris buildup in another condition.

[2] In particular, the present invention relates to a rotatable guttering system which is easy to install and control the orientation of the gutter manually.

[3] The invention has been developed primarily for use in minimizing installation and assembly costs, while providing a mechanical means for

allowing easy operation and reorientation of the gutter between a water collecting-and-transfer condition and a debris-removal condition and will be

described hereinafter with reference to this application. It will, however, be

appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background of the Invention

[4] The history of gutters goes back to the Middle Ages when troughs were

used to protect buildings from rainwater. This enabled protection of buildings

by funneling rainwater away from the buildings and restricting ingress of rainwater which would otherwise cause damage to the buildings.

[5] Although the gutter or spouting has evolved over the years, a common failure remains clogging and blocking of the gutter by debris such as moss,

leaves, and grasses and the like. If this debris is not removed, gutters will clog and fail to funnel rainwater away from the house.

[6] Accumulated combustible debris in gutters also represents a fire hazard. Accumulated combustible debris is known to act as kindling for a fire. Buildings in fire prone areas, for example in some areas of Australia, Europe, and the

United States of America, are susceptible to ember attack. During an ember attack, combustible debris in the gutters substantially increases the risk of fire to a building having gutters containing such combustible debris.

[7] Gutters should therefore be regularly cleared of debris to maintain

gutters in functional condition and reduce fire risk insofar as possible. This is usually done by climbing up and down a ladder or climbing onto a roof to gain

access to the gutter and physically removing debris. This approach requires a degree of caution due to commensurate safety risks, not to mention is

physically demanding. This can be inconvenient particularly where the

frequency of clearing required is high.

[8] Several methods and devices have been used to try to address the

problem of debris accumulation in guttering. One approach has been to install gutter guards which allows flow of water while attempting to prevent debris from

being deposited. This approach, however, does not prevent accumulation of

debris in all cases and can entrap debris making it difficult to manually clean the gutters.

[9] A further attempt to prevent the deposition of debris in guttering has seen various systems that propose cleaning debris from guttering by dumping. These

systems suffer from several drawbacks including:

• complex gearing and drive systems,

• difficult installation,

• expensive, and

• unstable

[10] A more practical system or means is required to allow for more efficient clearing operation of guttering systems.

[11] The present invention seeks to provide a practical means which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least one or more of the deficiencies of

the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[12] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

[13] There is a need to ameliorate the impact of debris in guttering systems,

be that from a water flow or a fire danger perspective. The present invention discloses a rotatable gutter system, a method of forming a rotatable gutter

system, a connector as part of a releasable axial rotator for use in forming a rotatable gutter system, and a collar as part of a rotatable gutter system.

[14] The present invention represents a departure from complex prior art systems. The system can be easily operated without the need for a ladder or

climbing onto the roof and installed without gearing and complex parts effective in reducing installation times and ease of use.

[15] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a rotatable

gutter system comprising: one or more lengths of gutter having an open top trough for normal use in a first in-use-water-transfer position to transfer water

along a pathway formed by the one or more lengths of gutter each having end portions fluidly connected to adjacent one or more lengths of gutter or to a

diversion pathway such as a downpipe or an angle diversion; at least one releasable axial rotator functionally connecting to at least one of the one or

more lengths of gutter; wherein the axial rotator allows at least partial rotational

movement of the one or more lengths of gutter about a longitudinal axis extending along the one or more lengths of gutter between the first in-use

water-transfer position and a second debris-removal position in which any debris caught in the trough can egress.

[16] In an embodiment, the rotatable gutter system may include fluid

connectors between adjacent end portions to form a fluid connection to

adjacent one or more lengths of gutter or to a diversion pathway such as a

downpipe or an angle diversion.

[17] In an embodiment, the axial rotator functionally may connect at at least

one position along the one or more lengths of gutter between opposite end

portions.

[18] In an embodiment, the axial rotator functionally may connect at at least

one end portion of the at least one of the one or more lengths of gutter.

[19] In an embodiment, the axial rotator may when connected at at least one end portion of the at least one of the one or more lengths of gutter form fluid connectors between adjacent end portions to form the fluid connection to

adjacent one or more lengths of gutter or to a diversion pathway such as

downpipes.

[20] In an embodiment, the longitudinal axis extending along the one or more

lengths of gutter may extend along or near a lower portion of the one or more lengths of gutter such that the one or more lengths of gutter may rotate below

the usual position when in the first in-use-water-transfer position.

[21] In an embodiment, the longitudinal axis may extend along the one or

more lengths of gutter may extend along or near a central portion of the one or

more lengths of gutter such that the one or more lengths of gutter can rotate while remaining substantially in the same position as the first in-use-water

transfer position.

[22] In an embodiment, the releasable axial rotator may allow a substantially 180-degree rotation of the one or more lengths of gutter between a first in-use

water-transfer position and a second debris-removal position to effect

automatic egress of the debris.

[23] In an embodiment, the releasable axial rotator may allow a less than a

180-degree rotation of the one or more lengths of gutter between a first in-use

water-transfer position and a second debris-removal position to effect automatic egress of the debris to allow ready removal access and assisted egress of any debris caught in the trough.

[24] In an embodiment, the rotatable gutter system may include a plurality of mounting connectors adapted to be mountable on a support, such as a fascia,

spaced apart and adapted to slidably receive the end portions of the one or

more lengths of gutter wherein the axial rotator allows rotational movement of the gutter relative to the mounting connectors.

[25] In an embodiment, the one or more lengths of gutter may be U-shaped.

[26] In an embodiment, the one or more lengths of gutter may be circular

shaped with an open top.

[27] In an embodiment, a collar may be mounted to the end portion of the one or more lengths of gutter.

[28] In an embodiment, the collar may convert the consistent cross section

of the one or more lengths of gutter to a circular cross section.

[29] In an embodiment, the collar may be integral with an end portion of the one or more lengths of gutter.

[30] In an embodiment, the end portions of the one or more lengths of gutter may include the collar, and the connectors may include a ring and a first arcuate flange extending from the ring, wherein the arcuate flange may be sized to

receive the collar.

[31] In an embodiment, the connectors may include a second arcuate flange

extending from the ring opposite the first arcuate flange to receive a collar end

of a second length of gutter.

[32] In an embodiment, the axial rotator may include complementary screw

threads on the connectors and collars, wherein the gutter may be fastened to a

connector in use and released to allow rotation and removal of debris in a

second condition.

[33] In an embodiment, the rotatable gutter system may include a series of

U-shaped support brackets, wherein the support brackets may be adapted to

be mounted to a support and shaped to receive the trough.

[34] In an embodiment, at least one support bracket may include a base arm

attached to the support and a lever arm movably mounted to the base arm,

wherein the lever arm may be movable relative to the base arm between a first horseshoe position and a second released position.

[35] In an embodiment, the rotatable gutter system may include a rain head

having a trough adapted to mount a downpipe, and a pair of spaced connectors mountable on either end of the trough, the connectors being adapted to receive

collar ends of adjacent gutters.

[36] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a

rotatable gutter system comprising: one or more lengths of gutter having a

trough oriented upwards for normal use in a first position to transfer water along a pathway formed by the one or more lengths of gutter, the one or more lengths

of gutter having opposite end portions each defining a collar; a plurality of connectors adapted to be mountable on a support, such as a fascia or rain

head, spaced apart and adapted to slidably receive the end collar portions of the one or more lengths of gutter, to form a releasable axial rotator of the

connectors and collar ends of the one or more lengths of gutter, the connectors

including: a ring, a first arcuate flange extending from the ring in a first direction, a second arcuate flange extending from the ring in an opposite direction to the

first arcuate flange, wherein the first and second arcuate flange is sized to receive a collar end at an end portion of a length of gutter; complementary screw threads on the connectors and collars, wherein the gutter is fastened to a connector in use to transfer water, and released to allow rotation and reorientation of the trough for removal of debris in a second condition; and wherein the axial rotator allows rotational movement of the gutter about a longitudinal axis extending through the trough between the first in use position and a second position in which any debris caught in the trough can easily egress from the trough.

[37] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method

of forming a rotatable gutter system including the steps of: mounting a mounting connector to a fascia; providing a continuous single consistent cross-section

length of gutter; connecting a collar to an end portion of the continuous single consistent cross-section length of gutter; providing a connector forming a

releasable axial rotator having a complementary shaped flange able to receive the collar; and mounting the length of gutter with collar to the releasable axial

rotator.

[38] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a connector as part of a releasable axial rotator for use in forming a rotatable

gutter system, the connector including: a central ring; and at least one arcuate flange sized to receive a collar at an end portion of a length of gutter; wherein

the axial rotator allows rotational movement of a gutter mounted to the connector about a longitudinal axis extending through the trough between the

first in-use position and a second position in which any debris caught in the

gutter.

[39] In an embodiment, the at least one arcuate flange sized to receive a

collar at an end portion of a length of gutter includes: a first arcuate flange

extending from the central ring in a first direction, a second arcuate flange extending from the central ring in an opposite direction to the first arcuate

flange, wherein the axial rotator allows rotational movement of a first gutter mounted to one side of the connector and/or a second gutter mounted to opposite side of the connector for rotation about a longitudinal axis extending through the trough between the first in-use position and a second position in which any debris caught in the gutter can be easily removed.

[40] In an embodiment, one side of the connector is connected to a diversion

pathway such as a downpipe, a rain head, or an angled gutter section.

[41] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a collar as part of a rotatable gutter system, the collar including a shaping wherein the collar converts a consistent cross section of a gutter to a circular cross section

for receipt in a connector.

[42] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a

rotatable gutter system comprising: one or more lengths of gutter having a

trough oriented upwards for normal use in a first position to transfer water along a pathway formed by the one or more lengths of gutter, the one or more lengths

of gutter having opposite end portions each defining a collar; a plurality of connectors adapted to be mountable on a support, such as a fascia, spaced

apart and adapted to slidably receive the end portions of the one or more

lengths of gutter; a releasable axial rotator on the connectors and collar ends of the one or more lengths of gutter; and wherein the axial rotator allows

rotational movement of the gutter relative to the connectors about a longitudinal axis extending through the trough between the first in use position and a second

position in which any debris caught in the trough can be easily removed from the trough.

[43] The connectors can include a ring and a first arcuate flange extending

from the ring, wherein the arcuate flange is sized to receive the collar. The connectors can include a sealing means for sealing connection with a rain head

for improving water transference while retaining rotating capability relative to the rain head. The sealing means can be formed from a ball-and-socket joint or a fixed flange and silicone-ring seal.

[44] The connectors can include a second arcuate flange extending from the ring opposite the first arcuate flange to receive a collar end of a second length

of gutter.

[45] Preferably, the axial rotator includes complementary screw threads on

the connectors and collars, wherein the gutter is fastened to a connector in use and released to allow rotation and removal of debris in a second condition.

[46] The rotatable gutter system can further include a series of U-shaped support brackets, wherein the support brackets are adapted to be mounted to

a support and shaped to receive the trough.

[47] At least one support bracket can include a base arm attached to the

support and a lever arm movably mounted to the base arm, wherein the lever

arm is movable relative to the base arm between a first horseshoe position and a second released position.

[48] The rotatable gutter system can further include a rain head having a

trough adapted to mount a downpipe, and a pair of spaced connectors mountable on either end of the trough, the connectors being adapted to receive

collar ends of adjacent gutters.

[49] The present invention is effective in reducing installation times and can

be used easily hence may be readily used frequently to remove debris. The system is easily connectable to a rain head by the connectors so that the

system can extend around internal and external corners while retaining capability of rotation.

[50] In a related aspect of the invention there is described a rotatable gutter system comprising: one or more lengths of gutter having a trough oriented

upwards for normal use in a first position to transfer water along a pathway formed by the one or more lengths of gutter, the one or more lengths of gutter having opposite end portions each defining a collar; a plurality of connectors adapted to be mountable on a support, such as a fascia or rain head, spaced apart and adapted to slidably receive the end collar portions of the one or more lengths of gutter, wherein the connectors include: a ring, a first arcuate flange extending from the ring in a first direction, a second arcuate flange extending from the ring opposite the first arcuate flange, wherein the first and second arcuate flange is sized to receive a collar end of a length of gutter therein; a releasable axial rotator on the connectors and collar ends of the one or more lengths of gutter comprising: complementary screw threads on the connectors and collars, wherein the gutter is fastened to a connector in use to transfer water, and released to allow rotation and reorientation of the trough for removal of debris in a second condition; and wherein the axial rotator allows rotational movement of the gutter relative to the connectors about a longitudinal axis extending through the trough between the first in use position and a second position in which any debris caught in the trough can be easily removed from the trough.

[51] The connector can include an over-centre mechanism configured to

engage a sealing means to one or more lengths of gutter, in use, for sealing connection with the one or more lengths of gutter.

Benefits of the invention include:

[52] The gutter system is easy and cost effective to install.

[53] The gutter system provides an easy means of rotating the gutter without the need for gears and motors.

[54] The rotating mechanism formed by the axial rotator of the gutter system

provides improvements in water leakage and is compatible with a rain head.

[55] The ability to easily remove debris such as leaves from the one or more lengths of gutter is critical in fire prone areas to make sure combustible debris

is minimized which can otherwise be a ready source of combustion during, for

example, an ember attack.

[56] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed with reference to

accompanying examples.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[57] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the

present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying

drawings in which:

[58] Fig. 1 is a representation of a gutter system in a water-transfer position

in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[59] Fig. 2 is a representation of a connector component of the gutter system

in Figure 1;

[60] Fig. 3 is an exploded view of components of an embodiment of the gutter

system of the invention with intended assembly positions shown;

[61] Fig. 4 is an exploded view of components of another embodiment of the

gutter system of the invention with intended assembly positions shown

[62] Fig. 5 is a representation of an over-centre clip in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[63] Fig. 6 is representation of a support component of the gutter system shown fastened to a substrate in accordance with a further preferred

embodiment of the present invention;

[64] Fig. 7 is a representation of the support component of Fig. 6 in a second

condition; and

[65] Fig. 8 is a representation of a rain head and connectors of the gutter system of the invention shown mounted on a downpipe.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

[66] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar

features.

[67] As broadly shown in the Figures, the present invention provides a

rotatable gutter system 1 comprising: one or more lengths of gutter 2 having an

open top trough for normal use in a first in-use-water-transfer position to transfer water along a pathway formed by the one or more lengths of gutter

each having end portions fluidly connected to adjacent one or more lengths of

gutter or to a diversion pathway such as a downpipe 4 or an angle diversion. The rotatable gutter system 1 further comprises: at least one releasable axial

rotator which functionally connects to at least one of the one or more lengths of gutter 2, wherein the axial rotator allows at least partial rotational movement of

the one or more lengths of gutter 2 about a longitudinal axis "Y-Y"' extending along the one or more lengths of gutter 2 between the first in-use-water-transfer

position and a second debris-removal position in which any debris caught in the

trough can egress. The ability to easily remove debris such as leaves from the one or more lengths of gutter is critical in fire prone areas to make sure leaf

litter is minimized which can otherwise be a ready source of combustion.

[68] Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a rotatable gutter system 1

comprising a length of gutter 2 having a substantially arcuate cross-section

forming a trough structure for receiving and through which rainwater is funneled

towards a rain head 3 and/or downpipe 4 (see Figure 8).

[69] As shown in Figure 1, the trough structure formed by the arcuate cross

section of gutter 2 is oriented upwards in normal use in a first position to receive and transfer water along a pathway formed by one or more lengths of the gutter.

[70] As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, each gutter 2 includes a collar 5 at either end thereof, and the system includes a plurality of connectors 6 that

interconnect with the collars of the gutter. As shown in Figure 2, the connectors

6 include a first 7 and second 8 oppositely disposed arcuate flange members extending from a centrally located ring member 9. The connectors 6 are

adapted to be mounted on a fascia support at spaced apart intervals which slidably receive a collar end of the one or more lengths of gutter to support a

length of gutter 2 proximal a roof (not shown).

[71] The gutter system 1 further includes a releasable axial rotator on the

connectors 6 and collar ends 5 of the one or more lengths of gutter 2. In the

embodiment shown in Figure 3, the axial rotator comprises complementary screw threads 14 on the connectors 6 and collars 5. In the embodiment shown

in Figure 4, the axial rotator comprises rubber seals 15 on the connectors 6 and collars 5. The releasable axial rotator allows a length of gutter to be readily

movable between a water-transfer position, where the trough structure is oriented upright, and a debris-removal position in which the trough structure is

oriented towards the ground to allow collected debris to fall from the trough or

be easily removed. Once debris is removed the gutter can be returned to its upright position.

[72] The axial rotator allows rotational movement of a length of gutter relative

to the connectors about a longitudinal axis extending through the trough between the first in-use position and a second position in which any debris

caught in the trough can be easily removed from the trough.

[73] Figures 3 and 4 further show an angled interconnecting gutter element

which interconnects with a first connector at one end and a second connector (not shown) at the opposite end to extend guttering at angles (this

element showing a right-angle configuration) about the roofline of a house (not

shown).

[74] Figure 5 shows an over-centre clip 16 which, in a sealing arrangement, brings the rubber seals 15 (as shown in the embodiment of Figure 4) into

sealing engagement to form a seal between the collars 5 and connectors 6 (as

shown in the embodiment of Figure 4).

[75] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, there is shown a horseshoe-shaped

support bracket 11 having a base arm 12 and a lever arm 13 which is pivotally

movable relative to the base arm in one condition (see Figure 6) and fastened to the base arm in a second condition (see Figure 7) by a second attachment

(not shown). As shown, the base arm 12 includes a mounting portion for attachment to a substrate and the lever arm 13 is movable relative to the base

arm at a pivot point (see Figure 7) when the second attachment (not shown) is

released, so that in a fastened condition the bracket 11 provides stable support for a length of gutter (not shown), and in a released condition the lever arm 13

can allow rotating movement of the gutter (not shown).

[76] Referring to Figure 8, there is shown a rain head 3 in position on a

downpipe 4 and connectors 6 and 6a located on each end of the rain head 3. The connectors 6 and 6a are adapted to receive collar end portions of a length

of gutter (not shown) whereby the gutter is rotatable by the axial rotator relative to the rain head. Rainwater received within a gutter is directed to the rain head

3 and exits the downpipe 4, and debris removed from the gutter (not shown)

when the gutter is rotated by the axial rotator (not shown).

[77] The present invention renders manual cleaning either unnecessary or at

the very least reduces the frequency of manual cleaning required to maintain the gutter system.

[78] The gutter system is easy and cost effective to install.

[79] The gutter system provides an easy means of rotating the gutter without

the need for gears and motors.

[80] The rotating mechanism formed by the axial rotator of the gutter system provides improvements in minimizing water leakage and is compatible with a

rain head.

[81] The ability to easily remove combustible debris such as leaves from the one or more lengths of gutter is critical in fire prone areas to make sure leaf litter is minimized which can otherwise be a ready source of combustion. This

is particularly important in bush fire areas where ember attacks are possible.

[82] It is contemplated that the guttering system may be automated using

mechanisms known to a person skilled in the art. Such mechanisms may

include a motor system that may be controlled remotely to move a gutter oriented upwards in normal use in a first position to receive and transfer water

along a pathway formed by one or more lengths of the gutter to a debris removal position in which the gutter is oriented towards the ground to allow

collected debris to fall from the gutter or be easily removed. Once debris is

removed the gutter can be returned to its upright position. It will be appreciated that such remote control may be performed using a control system linked

directly to the automated guttering system, a Wi-Fi link to the automated guttering system, a mobile network link to the automated guttering system, or

any combination of the afore mentioned.

Interpretation

Embodiments:

[83] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an

embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic

described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in

one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment but may.

[84] Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill

in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[85] Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, Figure, or description

thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of

disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than

all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this

Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[86] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some,

but not other, features included in other embodiments, combinations of features

of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For

example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

[87] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely

indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence,

either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

[88] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set

forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be

practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known

methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

[89] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the

drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so

selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical

equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to

provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including

[90] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the

invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e., to specify the

presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of

further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[91] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as

used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus,

including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

[92] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize

that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from

the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any

formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and

operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[93] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific

examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may

be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability

[94] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are

applicable to a rotatable gutter system that is easy to install and operate to allow

funneling of rainwater and easy removal of debris.

Claims (28)

Claims The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A rotatable gutter system comprising:

one or more lengths of gutter having an open top trough for

normal use in a first in-use-water-transfer position to transfer water along a pathway formed by the one or more lengths of gutter each having end portions fluidly connected to adjacent one

or more lengths of gutter or to a diversion pathway such as a

downpipe or an angle diversion;

at least one releasable axial rotator functionally connecting to at

least one of the one or more lengths of gutter;

wherein the axial rotator allows at least partial rotational movement of the one

or more lengths of gutter about a longitudinal axis extending along the one or

more lengths of gutter between the first in-use-water-transfer position and a second debris-removal position in which any debris caught in the trough can

egress.

2. The rotatable gutter system according to claim 1, including fluid

connectors between adjacent end portions to form a fluid connection to

adjacent one or more lengths of gutter or to a diversion pathway such as a downpipe or an angle diversion.

3. The rotatable gutter system according to claim 1, wherein the axial rotator functionally connects at at least one position along the one or more lengths of gutter between opposite end portions.

4. The rotatable gutter system according to claim 1, wherein the axial

rotator functionally connects at at least one end portion of the at least one of the one or more lengths of gutter.

5. The rotatable gutter system according to claim 1, wherein the axial rotator when connected at at least one end portion of the at least one of the one

or more lengths of gutter forms fluid connectors between adjacent end portions

to form the fluid connection to adjacent one or more lengths of gutter or to a diversion pathway such as downpipes.

6. The rotatable gutter system according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis extending along the one or more lengths of gutter extends

along or near a lower portion of the one or more lengths of gutter such that the

one or more lengths of gutter rotates below the usual position when in the first in-use-water-transferposition.

7. The rotatable gutter system according to claim 1, wherein the

longitudinal axis extending along the one or more lengths of gutter extends along or near a central portion of the one or more lengths of gutter such that

the one or more lengths of gutter can rotate while remaining substantially in the same position as the first in-use-water-transfer position.

8. The rotatable gutter system according to claim 1, wherein the releasable axial rotator allows a substantially 180-degree rotation of the one or more lengths of gutter between a first in-use-water-transfer position and a second

debris-removal position to effect automatic egress of the debris.

9. The rotatable gutter system according to claim 1, wherein the releasable axial rotator allows a less than a 180-degree rotation of the one or more lengths

of gutter between a first in-use-water-transfer position and a second debris

removal position to effect automatic egress of the debris to allow ready removal access and assisted egress of any debris caught in the trough.

10. The rotatable gutter system according to claim 1, including a plurality of mounting connectors adapted to be mountable on a support, such as a fascia,

spaced apart and adapted to slidably receive the end portions of the one or more lengths of gutter wherein the axial rotator allows rotational movement of the gutter relative to the mounting connectors.

11. The rotatable gutter system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more lengths of gutter is/are U shaped.

12. The rotatable gutter system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more lengths of gutter is/are circular shaped with an open top.

13. The rotatable gutter system according to claim 1, wherein a collar can be mounted to the end portion of the one or more lengths of gutter.

14. The rotatable gutter system according to claim 1, wherein the collar converts the consistent cross section of the one or more lengths of gutter to a

circular cross section.

15. The rotatable gutter system according to claim 1, wherein the collar is integral with an end portion of the one or more lengths of gutter.

16. The rotatable gutter system according to claim 1, wherein the end

portions of the one or more lengths of gutter includes the collar, and the connectors include a ring and a first arcuate flange extending from the ring,

wherein the arcuate flange is sized to receive the collar.

17. The rotatable gutter system according to claim 2, wherein the connectors

include a second arcuate flange extending from the ring opposite the first

arcuate flange to receive a collar end of a second length of gutter.

18. The rotatable gutter system according to claim 1, wherein the axial

rotator includes complementary screw threads on the connectors and collars,

wherein the gutter is fastened to a connector in use and released to allow rotation and removal of debris in a second condition.

19. The rotatable gutter system according to claim 1, further including a series of U-shaped support brackets, wherein the support brackets are adapted

to be mounted to a support and shaped to receive the trough.

20. The rotatable gutter system according to claim 5, wherein at least one support bracket includes a base arm attached to the support and a lever arm movably mounted to the base arm, wherein the lever arm is movable relative to

the base arm between a first horseshoe position and a second released position.

21. The rotatable gutter system according to claim 1, further including a rain head having a trough adapted to mount a downpipe, and a pair of spaced

connectors mountable on either end of the trough, the connectors being

adapted to receive collar ends of adjacent gutters.

22. A rotatable gutter system comprising:

one or more lengths of gutter having a trough oriented upwards for normal use in a first position to transfer water along a pathway formed

by the one or more lengths of gutter, the one or more lengths of gutter

having opposite end portions each defining a collar;

a plurality of connectors adapted to be mountable on a support, such

as a fascia or rain head, spaced apart and adapted to slidably receive the end collar portions of the one or more lengths of gutter, to form a

releasable axial rotator of the connectors and collar ends of the one

or more lengths of gutter, the connectors including:

a ring,

a first arcuate flange extending from the ring in a first direction,

a second arcuate flange extending from the ring in an opposite direction to the first arcuate flange, wherein the first and second arcuate flange is sized to receive a collar end at an end portion of a length of gutter; complementary screw threads on the connectors and collars, wherein the gutter is fastened to a connector in use to transfer water, and released to allow rotation and reorientation of the trough for removal of debris in a second condition; and wherein the axial rotator allows rotational movement of the gutter about a longitudinal axis extending through the trough between the first in use position and a second position in which any debris caught in the trough can easily egress from the trough.

23. A method of forming a rotatable gutter system including the steps of:

mounting a mounting connector to a fascia;

providing a continuous single consistent cross-section length of

gutter;

connecting a collar to an end portion of the continuous single

consistent cross-section length of gutter;

providing a connector forming a releasable axial rotator having a

complementary shaped flange able to receive the collar; and

mounting the length of gutter with collar to the releasable axial rotator.

24. A connector as part of a releasable axial rotator for use in forming a rotatable gutter system, the connector including:

a central ring; and

at least one arcuate flange sized to receive a collar at an end portion

of a length of gutter;

wherein the axial rotator allows rotational movement of a gutter mounted to the connector about a longitudinal axis extending through the trough between the first in-use position and a second position in which any debris caught in the gutter.

25. The connector according to claim 24, wherein the at least one arcuate flange sized to receive a collar at an end portion of a length of gutter includes:

a first arcuate flange extending from the central ring in a first direction,

a second arcuate flange extending from the central ring in an

opposite direction to the first arcuate flange,

wherein the axial rotator allows rotational movement of a first gutter mounted to one side of the connector and/or a second gutter mounted to opposite side

of the connector for rotation about a longitudinal axis extending through the

trough between the first in-use position and a second position in which any debris caught in the gutter can be easily removed.

26. The connector according to claim 24, wherein one side of the connector is connected to a diversion pathway such as a downpipe, a rain head, or an angled gutter section.

27. The connector according to any one of claims 24 to 26, further comprises

an over-centre mechanism configured to engage a sealing means to one or more lengths of gutter, in use, for sealing connection with the one or more

lengths of gutter.

28. A collar as part of a rotatable gutter system, the collar including a shaping wherein the collar converts a consistent cross section of a gutter to a

circular cross section for receipt in a connector.