AU689974B2 - Tubular member - Google Patents

Description

S F Ref: 320557

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT o c o a

ORIGINAL

'F Name and Address of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: ASSOCIATED PROVISIONAL [31] Application No(s) PM9658 Reynato Reodica 15 Wilkie Crescent Doonside New South Wales 2767

AUSTRALIA

Reynato Reodica Spruson Ferguson, Patent Attorneys Level 33 St Martins Tower, 31 Market Street Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia Tubular Member APPLICATION DETAILS [331 Country

AU

[323 Application Date 25 November 1994 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- 5815 Field of the Invention The following invention relates to tubular members. More particularly, though not exclusively, the invention relates to a roof gutter comprising a substantially enclosed channel, the gutter being adapted to be affixed to a building. The invention also relates to a tubular member used as electric conduit, down pipe, water pipe, etc.

The invention also relates to accessories associated with such tubular members applicable for different industries.

Background of the Invention Known roof gutters comprise a channel having an open top through which not only water but leaves and other debris may pass from the roof to the gutter and subsequently into the downpipes.

Numerous attempts have been made by various manufacturers to provide mesh screens to cover the upper opening of roof gutters. Most attempts have been oeooe unsatisfactory and some have even exacerbated the problem of leaf and debris build-up in roof gutters.

It has beer, recognised by the present applicant that the problem lies within the design of the gutters themselves.

S: Object of the Invention 20• It is the object of the present to overcome or substantially ameliorate the above disadvantages and/or more generally to provide improved tubular members.

Disclosure of the Invention There is disclosed herein a tubular member having: a first panel providing an upper surface, a plurality of apertures in the first panel and extending from the upper surface through which water may pass to enter the tubular member, the apertures being longitudinally and transversely spaced along the upper surface; and [N:\LIBLL00125:hrw a second panel which is generally planar and attached to the first panel and by which the gutter is fixed to a building.

Preferably, the upper surface of the channel is inclined or downwardly curved.

However the upper surface could also be horizontal and/or flat.

Preferably, the transverse cross section of the gutter is or shaped, or shaped, or any other single or double tubular configuration.

Typically, the gutter is formed by an extrusion or moulding process. It may also be formed by being rolled to shape or formed by any suitable process of manufacture using any suitable material such as sheet.

Preferably, the means in the panel by which the gutter may be affixed to a building comprise holes through the gutter through which the channel may be bolted, screwed or otherwise affixed to the building. As an alternative, portions of reduced thickness could be provided through which the fasteners may pass.

Alternatively, portions of the reduced thickness of the vertical panel may be 15 rebated or tongue and grooved or tapered, etc. could be provided of which the fasteners oo00 may pass through the two adjacent panels for quick and ease of fixing or fastening.

Preferably, a longitudinal recess is provided in the panel nearby its lower edge, the recess being adapted to receive the edge of an eaves board (fibro sheet or the like).

Alternatively, a horizontal longitudinal leg is provided in the panel nearby its 20 lower edge, the leg is being adapted to receive the edge of an eaves board (Fibro sheet cr the like also).

Preferably, the upper and lower edges of the panel are straight.

Alternatively, the upper edge of the panel may be shaped to conform with the shape of the underside of roof tiles. Such a shape might be of a waved form, zig-zag form or other form depending on the nature of the roof tiles.

Optionally, the panel may be provided with a perforation or indentation following the line of the desired form of the underside of a tile, the perforation or indentation adapted to allow the upper part of the panel to be snapped off prior to installation.

LN:\LIBLL]00125:hrw Brief Description of the Drawings Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figs. 1, la, 1A, 1A(i), 1B and 1B(i), are schematic perspective views of the roof gutters drainagc members or electric ducts; Figs. 2, 2a, 2a(i), 2A, 2B and 2B(i), are schematic perspective views of double roof gutters, drainage pipe members or electric ducts; Figs. 3, 3a, 3B, 3A, 3A(i), 3B(i), 3A(ii), and 3B(ii) are schematic perspective views of an electric conduit, water pipe or down pipe; Figs. 4, 4(ii), 4A, 4A(i), 4A(ii), 4B, 4B(i) and 4B(ii) are schematic perspective views of double electric conduit pipes, water pipes or down pipes; Fig. 5 is a schematic elevation view of a portion of the panel forming part of a gutter and comprising an upper edge adapted to conform to the shape roof the underside of a particular roof tile, or other roofing materials; 15 Fig. 5A is a schematic elevation view with perforations or slots of a portion of the panel forming part of a gutter and comprising an upper edge adapted to conform to the shape roof the underside of a particular roof tile, or other roofing materials; o T r [N:\LIBLL]00125:hnv o [N\IL]02:n Figs. 6 and 7 are schematic elevation views of two examples of the various alternative forms of what is shown in Fig. Figs. 6A and 7A are schematic elevation views with perforations or slots, of two examples of the various alternative forms of what is shown in Fig. Fig. 8 is a schematic plan view of a panel having a perforation or indentation there along allowing an upper portion to snap away thus providing a panel with an upper edge to conform with the underside of certain tiles; and Fig. 8A is a schematic plan view of a panel with perforations or slots and or indentation there along allowing an upper portion to snap away thus providing a panel oeioo with an upper edge to conform with the underside of certain tiles; and Figs. 9, 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D schematically depict tubular members formed of sheet metal, of which tubular members may be used as a roof gutter, ventilation pipes or drainage member; Figs. 10, 10A and O10B schematically tubular members formed out of sheet metal, 1 5 of which tubular member may be used as a roof gutter, ventilation pipes or drainage member; Fig. 1i i a schematic perspective view of a simple tubular member formed out of extrusi:i, of which tubular member may be used as down pipes, water pipes, S. electrical conduit pipes and drainage member or a tube that can either be used as an internal or external coupling or adaptor; Fig. 12 is a schematic perspective view of two-legged tubular member formed out of extrusion, of which tubular member may be used as down pipes, water pipes, electrical conduit pipes and drainage member or a tube that can either be used as an internal or external coupling or adaptor; Fig. 13 is a schematic perspective view of two-winged or saddle less tubular member formed out of extrusion, of which tubular member may be used as down pipes, water pipes, electrical conduit pipes or drainage member: [N:\LIBLL]00125:HRW Fig. 14 is a schematic perspective view of two-legged/two winged tubular member formed out of extrusion, of which tubular member may be used as down pipes, water pipes, electrical conduit pipes or drainage member; Fig. 15 is a schematic perspective view of half-saddle tubular member formed out of extrusion, of which tubular member may be used as down pipes, water pipes, electrical conduit pipes or drainage member; Fig. 16 is a schematic perspective view of a half-saddle/two-legged tubular member formed out of extrusion, of which tubular member may be used as down pipes, water pipes, electrical conduit pipes or drainage member; .oo.o Fig. 17 is a schematic perspective view of double and a half-saddle tubular S member formed out of extrusion, of which tubular member may be used as down pipes, water pipes, electrical conduit pipes or drainage member; Fig. 18 is a schematic perspective view of a double and a half saddle and twolegged tubular member formed out of extrusion, of which tubular member may be S 15 used as down pipes, water pipes, electrical conduit pipes or drainage member Fig. 19 is a schematic perspective view of a recess and two-legged tubular member formed out of sheet metal, of which tubular member may be used as down pipes, water pipes, electrical conduit pipes or drainage member; S.Fig. 20 is a schematic perspective view of a simple tubular member formed out of extrusion, of which tubular member may be used as double down pipes, water pipes, electrical pipes and drainage pipes; Fig. 21 is a schematic perspective view of a two-legged tubular member formed out of extrusion, of which tubular member may be used as two-legged double down pipes, water pipes, electrical pipes and drainage pipes; Fig. 22 is a schematic perspective view of double saddle tubular member formed out of extrusion, of which tubular member may be used as double saddle double down pipes, water pipes, electrical pipes and drainage pipes; Fig. 23 is a schematic perspective view of double saddle and two-legged "D" tubular member formed out of extrusion, of which tubular member may be used as [NALIBLL00125:HR',V double saddle and two-legged down pipes, water pipes, electrical pipes and drainage pipes; Fig. 24 is a schematic perspective view of a half-saddle tubular member formed out of extrusion of which tubular member may be used as half-saddle "B" down pipes, water pipes, electrical pipes and drainage pipes; Fig. 25 is a schematic perspective view of a half-saddle and two-legged "B" tubular member formed out of extrusion, of which tubular member may be used as halfsaddle and two-legged down pipes, water pipes, electrical pipes and drainage pipes; e.0.00 Fig. 26 is a schematic perspective view of double saddle tubular member formed out of extrusion, of which tubular member may be used as double saddle "D" down pipes, water pipes, electrical pipes and drainage pipes; Fig. 27 is a schematic perspective view of -touble and a half-saddle and twolegged tubular member formed out of extrusion, of which tubular member may be S 15 used as double and a half-saddle and two-legged down pipes, water pipes, electrical pipes and drainage pipes; Fig. 28 is a schematic view of double saddle and two-legged square tubular member formed out of extrusion, of which tubular member may be used as double saddle and two-legged square down pipes, water pipes, electrical pipes and drainage pipes; Fig. 28a is a schematic view of double saddle and two-legged square tubular member formed out of extrusion, of which tubular member may be used as double saddle and two-legged square down pipes, water pipes, electrical pipes and drainage pipes; Fig. 29 is a schematic view of double saddle and two-legged circular tubular member formed ,ut of extrusion, of which tubular member may be used as double saddle and two-legged down pipes, water pipes, electrical pipes and drainage pipes; Fig. 29a is a schematic view of double saddle and two-legged circular tubular member formed out of extrusion, of which tubular member may be used as double [N:\LIBLL]00125:HRW 7 saddle and two-legged circular down pipes, water pipes, electrical pipes and drainage pipes; Fig. 30 is a schematic view of double saddle and two-legged rectangular "D" tubular member formed out of extrusion, of which tubular member may be used as double saddle and two-legged rectangular down pipes, water pipes, electrical pipes and drainage pipes; Fig. 30a is a schematic view of double saddle and two-legged rectangular "D" tubular member formed out of extrusion, of which tubular member may be used as double saddle and two-legged rectangular down pipes, water pipes, electrical pipes and fee**: lo drainage pipes; and Figs. 31 to 42 schematically depict modifications of the tubular members shown in Figs. 1 to o• Description of the Preferred Embodiments S .In Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings there is depicted a tubular member, which in this embodiment is a roof gutter 10. However it could also be used as an Selectrical conduit or drainage member. Gutter 10 is typically extruded from plastics .:9oo material such as PVC, thermoplastics, polyglass fibre composites, aluminium or other •°"strong material sufficiently resistant to ultraviolet radiation. In the case of sheet metals, the gutter 10 is bent to its configuration. The transverse cross sectional shape of the gutter 10 is generally in the form of a or However the gutter 10 could be of a or transverse cross-section, or other similar transverse cross-section as shown in Figs. 1A and lB.

Gutter 10 comprises a curved panel 11 having a plurality of apertures 12 in its upper surface. Gutter 10 is adapted to be secured adjacent to the eaves of a building either over or instead of the facia boards which normally reside alongside open guttering. To this end, gutter 10 is provided with a generally planar panel 17 providing upper and lower flanges 13 and 14 having a number of holes 16 therethrough by which the gutter 10 may be affixed to the building. The lower flange 14 of the panel 17 is [N:\LIBLL]00125:HRW provided with a longitudinal recess 15 therealong. However the recess could be locatd at other positions on the panel 17. This recess is adapted to receive the edge of a fibro or other panel of the type normally fitted beneath the eaves of a building.

The edge of a roof tile is adapted to pass over the top of the flange 13 such that water falling from the tiles falls upon the upper surface of the panel 11. In ordinary rainfall, water is to pass through the apertures 12 to the inside of the gutter 10. The apertures 12 are so dimensioned as to preclude the ingress of leaves, gum nuts or other debris which might fall from the roof onto the gutter. The apertures 12 might also be so dimensioned that in very heavy rainfall, not all water passes into the gutter 10. That is, in very heavy rainfall, some water might pass over at least some of the apertures 12 and fall to the ground which serves as an overflow.

Although Fig. 1 depicts a straight upper edge on the flange 13, that edge may be shaped as shown in Figs. 5 to 8. This also applies to the lower edge.

Fig. 1A shows a modification of the gutter 10 of Fig. 1. In this embodiment the top surface is planar. Fig. 1B is a still further modification. The panel 11 is curved at its upper portion and planar at its lower portion.

In Fig. 2, a double gutter 10 is shown. In this embodiment the upper gutter is connected to the lower gLter by apertures.

o$•o As shown in Fig. 2a, a modified double gutter 10 is shown. The lower most gutter is adapted to catch rain water or other liquid not caught by the first, upper most gutter. The double gutter 10 may be formed as a single fabrication such as an extrusion or moulding, however may alternatively comprise a pair of separately fabricated gutters fixed together as shown. However it could be rolled from a sheet or strip. The lower most gutter however need not have apertures 12 extending the whole way across the substantially flat upper surface thereof. This surface would reside below the lower surface of the upper gutter where such apertures 12 would serve no purpose. As best seen in Fig. 2A, the lower gutter is preferably larger so as to protrude laterally beyond the top gutter. As shown in Fig. 2B, the upper and lower gutters may be separated.

[N:\LIBLL]00125:HR Figs. 3, 3A and 3B depict an electrical conduit 10. The conduit 10 is similar in most respects to the gutter 10 of Figs. 1, 1A and 1B however, no apertures 12 are provided. Electrical cables for example may pass through the conduit.

Figs. 4, 4A and 4B depict a double electrical conduit, similar in structure to the double gutter of Fig. 2 and Fig. 2A.

Figs. 5 and 5A depict a portion of the flange 13 having a number of protrusions 17 extending therefrom. Protrusions 17 generally in the form of a semi-circle are adapted to be received snugly beneath substantially corresponding recesses in the underside of tiles of a particular design.

olool As shown in Figs. 6 and 6A, the upper edge of flange 13 might alternatively S comprise a substantially zig-zag formation of straight segments 17. The segments are similarly adapted to be received snugly beneath a tile of a corresponding design.

*o Figs. 7 and 7A continues with this theme however with the upper edge 17 being in a wave formation suitable to be received beneath a roof of corrugated iron or S 15 corrugated fibreglass or polycarbonate or like roofing materials and profiles.

As shown in Figs. 8 and 8A, the upper portion of flange 13 may be provided with "i a perforation 18 in any one of the configurations of Figs. 2, 3 or 4 or other configurations. Perforations 18 might be provided by any known means allowing the upper section 19 of flange 13 to be snap-removed.

It should be appreciated that modifications and alterations obvious to those skilled in the art are not to be considered as beyond the scope of the present invention. For example, although the gutter of Fig. 1 is shown to be in the shape of a or any shape providing a downwardly inclined, curved or even flat upper surface may be provided.

In other applications, the gutter may be reorientated so as to sit upon the panel 16. That is, the apertures of gutter 10 may be reorientated 90/180/270' anticlockwise from the orientation depicted in Fig. 1 so as to provide a preferably flat base, upon which it may sit properly.

[N:\LIBLL]00125:HRNV In a further embodiment, the tubular member shown in Figure 1 could be used as a drainage pipe by being placed below ground level.

In a still further embodiment, the tubular member could be provided without the apertures 12. In this instance the tubular member could be used as conduit for ducting electric wiring or other items. It may also be used to conduct water. In this embodiment it should be appreciated that the or shapes provide a greater internal cross-section relative to conventional circular conduits as well as a greater surface area.

An additional feature that may be incorporated in the gutter or conduit might be a S, o10 decorative bottom edge being contoured as desired in the region indicated by 14 in Fig.

1 for example. Such a decorative edge might be waved, angular, or any aesthetically pleasing decorative shape to suit a particular building style.

It should be appreciated that the gutter 10 may be longitudinally inclined or horizontal, when installed so as to drain to one or more down pipes.

S 15 If so required, inspection holes may be provided along the length of the gutter or conduit 10. This would also facilitate inspection and cleaning.

In Figures 9 to 12 there is schematically shown the gutters, electrical conduits and drainage members of the previous figures, however in these embodiments they are formed from sheet metal. In their manufacture a metal strip would be provided and punched to have the apertures 12. Thereafter the strip would be bent to the desired configuration.

Other embodiments are shown in Figs. 13 to [N:\LIBLL]00125:HRV

Claims (12)

1. A tubular member having: a first panel providing an upper surface, a plurality of apertures in the first panel and extending from the upper surface through which water may pass to enter the tubular member, the apertures being longitudinally and transversely spaced along the upper surface; and a second panel which is generally planar and attached to the first panel and by which the gutter is fixed to a building.

2. The member of claim 1, wherein said upper surface is arcuate.

3. The member of claim 2, wherein said planar panel provides an upwardly extending flange and a downwardly extending flange projecting beyond said first panel.

4. The member of claim 2 or 3, wherein said tubular member is of a "D" configuration.

The member of claim 2 or 3, wherein said tubular member is of a "B" configuration.

6. The member of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein said planar panel is provided with a slot to receive an eaves sheet.

7. The member of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said upper surface is inclined or downwardly curved. 20

8. The member of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said upper surface is substantially horizontal and flat.

9. The member of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said second panel is provided with means to receive an edge of an eaves board.

The membe,' of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said second panel has a longitudinally extending upper edge which is shaped to cooperate with the profile of a Sroof material.

11. A roof gutter comprising the tubular member of any one of claims 1 to

12. A member, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. Dated 9 February, 1998 Reynato Reodica Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON FERGUSON v r o [N:\LIBLLJ00125:hrw ABSTRACT TUBULAR MEMBER A tubular member (10) which may be used as a roof gutter. The tubular member includes a rear panel (17) from which there projects a curved panel The panel (11) is provided with apertures to permit water to enter a channel enclosed by the panels (11) and Flanges (13) and (14) permit the tubular member (10) to be attached to a building. In a further alternative construction, the tubular member may be adapted to be used as an electrical conduit or drainage member. Preferably the tubular member is of a transverse cross section or a transverse cross section. 1 o e* [N\LmLL]00125:cms