EP0248809B1

EP0248809B1 - Trough clearing tool

Info

Publication number: EP0248809B1
Application number: EP86901952A
Authority: EP
Inventors: John Nipper
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1985-03-21
Filing date: 1986-03-20
Publication date: 1992-05-27
Anticipated expiration: 2006-03-20
Also published as: WO1986005539A1; JPS62502270A; GB8507369D0; DE3685494D1; EP0248809A1

Abstract

A trough clearing tool comprising a scoop (2) having a trough engaging surface, in which an operational angle greater than zero is used, the operational angle being defined by the trough engaging surface and the operator's hand position when viewed perpendicularly to the trough.

Description

This invention relates to a trough clearing tool, and in particular to a trough clearing tool for removing debris from roof guttering.
Roof guttering often becomes clogged with roof debris such as leaves from overhanging or neighbouring trees or gravel from treated roofing felt; and then roof water is unable to reach the conventional downspout, and overflows. Such overflows can be irritating to the occupants, for instance because of the often regular noise of dripping water; they can in time cause unsightly stains on the supporting wall and if the house wall is of brick externally rendered can result in the rendering cracking along the drip line.
Despite these known problems, gutters are allowed to become and remain clogged because many domestic and even factory and office occupants are unwilling to climb ladders to the guttering height: to call in workmen to clear the guttering of roof debris is expensive for the short time needed for a task which would be simple at ground level.
One attempt to solve this problem is that of Brockbank U.K. patent 1 559 925. But that trough clearing tool has a high and fixed insert angle i.e. the angle to the horizontal at which the tool has to he inserted into the trough, over the outer side of the trough, without the inside edge of the tool fouling the overhanging roof tiles.
However other trough clearing tools have been proposed, and some of these are designed to allow the tool to be inserted below overhanging roof tiles, and also therefore for the tool to be manipulated with the operator standing on the ground at selected distances from the building wall. Thus Bugbird U.S. Patent 2 817 867 discloses trough cleaning apparatus at the upper end of a handle, with the handle having a longitudinal axis diverging downwardly at adjusted angles away from the building wall adjacent the roof gutter, to allow adjusted tool insertion angle.
Swannie U.S. Patent 3 858 267 discloses a blade having a bottom surface contoured to fit the interior of the gutter in a manner to scrape along the bottom thereof, the blade having an outwardly projecting arm pivotally connected to a bracket mounted on the end of a longitudinally elongated handle, such that the blade can be swung in its own plane to vary the tool insertion angle. To clear a gutter, the operator walks along the ground, with the trough clearing tool above and to one side, the handle being in a vertical plane.
Arthur U.S. Patent 4 319 851 discloses a trough clearing tool which includes two scoops, back to back. Each scoop is raised from the trough base, with a brush attached to its bottom portion and which is used to sweep the trough; each support member is hollow, with openings which (if not blocked by collected debris) direct water towards the scoop leading edge (in counter-flow to debris collection). The support member can however be arranged to traverse either scoop sidewall, so that the trough can be cleaned in either direction.
George U.S. Patent 4 304 498 discloses a trough clearing tool with a cleaning head which is removably attached to a handle.The cleaning head has a pair of leading edges (at respective opposed head ends) so that the tool is double-ended and so is usable without reversal in either direction along the trough for trough cleaning. The cleaning head is connected to the support arm by connecting means with a pivotal connection (permitting the operator to walk further away from the house, around flower beds if required).
Whilst the facility to operate the trough clearing tool from the ground and away from bushes and other obstructions close to the base of the wall is important, I have found that other features not present or combined in the prior proposals of which I am aware are necessary for effective trough clearing.
Thus I prefer a scoop rather than a blade, since a blade cannot retain any of the debris from the trough (even temporarily) and such debris is often merely pushed to a downspout. A scoop has a trough engaging surface which can be drawn along the trough so that (roof) debris accumulates in or on the scoop for subsequent emptying.
The trough has a leading edge which is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the scoop i.e. to the direction in which the scoop moves along the trough, and which can drive or drag under or into the trough debris. Specifically I arrange the longitudinal axis of the scoop to be at an angle (the "operational angle") to the direction of drive i.e. to the trough base, the operational angle being greater than zero. Thus viewed from the side, the operator is to one side of the scoop and preferably pulls it by way of the handle such that the leading edge of the scoop experiences a downward component urging the leading edge into and under the debris, rather than allowing it to ride over the debris parallel to the trough base.
Desirably the operational angle can be changed, specifically by altering the angle between the scoop longitudinal axis and handle in a plane parallel to the vertical plane including the scoop longitudinal axis. If desired the scoop can for instance be pushed, rather than pulled. Short lengths of the gutter can thus be cleared without the operator needing to walk alongside the gutter, merely by movement of the handle from one side to side to the other of his body, keeping the operational angle constant i.e. keeping the angle of the handle to the clearing tool longitudinal axis and thus to the trough engaging surface substantially constant. There are then two options. The operator can step sideways to clear the adjacent gutter section, having emptied the scoop if necessary; or the operator can alter the operational angle, so that the next length of guttering can be cleared without the operator needing to step sideways.
It will be understood that this latter facility is important if roof guttering is to be cleared from an upstairs window, where sideways movement is limited. Following trials with various of the prior art proposals, I have found that the weight of the tool in cantilever on the end of a long handle makes clearing a guttering on a two or more storey building difficult except for the very strong, requiring the scoop both to be manipulated transversely into the gutter at an angle so that overhanging tiles are avoided, and to be removed when containing debris; upper windows for instance can easily be impacted and broken when the tool is operated from the ground. The provision of a blade as in U.S. 3 858 267 seeks to avoid the problem of removing a filled or partly filled scoop; but I have not found a blade effective to remove accumulated debris, and furthermore it requires considerable strength to move the blade along a gutter when the operator is walking alongside.
Thus according to my invention I provide a trough clearing tool comprising a scoop having a pair of opposed sidewalls, the sidewalls being joined by a leading edge adapted to collect debris from the trough base when the scoop is moved forwardly along the trough, a trough base engaging surface extending rearwardly from the leading edge, a rear end for the scoop adapted in conjunction with said sidewalls to retain debris collected at said leading edge, and a support arm having a first end connected to the scoop and a second end which extends over a sidewall to engage with one end of coupling arm, the operational scoop angle between the trough base and the trough engaging surface being adjustable by means of the coupling arm, the coupling arm having gripping means at its other end, characterised in that the support arm can be connected to the scoop to extend alternately over each sidewall, in that a pivotal connection is provided between the first end of the support arm and the scoop, in that adjustment means are provided to vary the angle between a sidewall and the gripping means whereby to facilitate insertion of the scoop into the trough, and in that the coupling arm is adjustable relative to the trough engaging surface whereby the operational angle as herein defined is made greater than zero with the said leading edge being therefore closer to the trough base than said rear end.
Preferably the gripping means and the first end of the support arm themselves form the operational angle. Conveniently the first end of the support arm is releasably and pivotally connected to the scoop so as to allow angular adjustment between the support arm and the scoop to cater for different operating positions, for instance to allow different lengths of a gutter to be cleared of debris from below, as by the operator leaning out of a single upstairs window. However, if the gripping means is of a type suitable for interconnection with an extension rod, then this interconnection can alternatively or additionally be releasably and pivotally interconnectable to permit the relative angular adjustment between the extension rod and the scoop.
The second end of the support arm will be spaced from the scoop transversly a distance sufficient to accomodate a side wall of the guttering, so that in use the scoop is positioned in the guttering with the coupling arm outside and alongside the guttering, and the other end of the coupling arm being below the guttering if the support arm traverses a scoop side wall. The scoop may have a pair of side members with the first end of the support arm being alternatively connectable to one or other of the side members; but in another embodiment the scoop has a cross-member joining the side members with the first end connected to this cross-member. Though this first end will in use normally be fixed angularly relative to the scoop, so that the scoop will not pivot prematurely when being removed from the guttering full of debris, if the scoop is properly balanced or heavy relative to the weight of debris to be carried and with a low centre of gravity then the connection between this first end and the scoop may allow relative pivoting so as to permit the scoop to adjust itself angularly in the guttering, which may be useful if the scoop is to be used in awkwardly placed guttering or with a long rod.
The invention will be further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a trough clearing tool according to the present invention in guttering, the guttering being partly cut away;
Fig. 2 is of a second embodiment of trough clearing tool;
Fig. 3 is of an alternative design of scoop, partly exploded;
Fig. 4 is of a connection between the first end of the support arm and the scoop ;
Fig. 5 is a partial plan view of two (superimposed) scoops of different width;
Fig. 6a is a schematic end view of the narrow scoop of Fig. 5 in a narrow trough;
Figs. 6b and 6c are schematic end view of the larger scoop of Fig. 5 in a medium and large width trough respectively;
Fig. 7 is a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of universal joint;
Fig. 7a is a part-section on the line x-x of Fig. 7;
Fig. 8 is a side elevation of a further embodiment of universal joint;
Fig. 8a is a part-section on the line x'-x' of Fig. 8;
Fig. 9 is a front schematic view of an upstairs window and trough clearing tool;
Fig. 10 is a side schematic view of an upstairs window, similar to that of Fig. 9, with a roof having tiles overhanging the trough;
Fig. 11 is a front schematic view, showing a coupling arm and an extension rod forming the operational angle α ;
Fig. 12 is a front schematic view, showing a coupling arm and extension rod providing the operational angle α ;
Fig. 13 is a side schematic view, showing the insertion angle β, needed for the inner wall of the tool to pass below an overhanging tile, whilst the base of the tool clears the outer wall of the trough.

In the drawings, scoop 2 is positioned in guttering 4. First end 6 of support arm 8 is positioned in tube 10 fixedly carried by cross-member 12. Cross-member 12 is secured to both side members 14, 16 of the scoop. The first end 6 is connected releasably and pivotally to scoop 2 by screw 18 which abuts part of the first end 6 inside the tube 10.
The second end 20 of the support arm 8 is spaced transversly from the scoop 2, and this second end 20 is interconnected with one end 22 of coupling arm 24, the spacing being such as to permit a side wall 26 of the guttering to be accommodated between side member 14 and coupling arm 24. The other end 27 of coupling arm 24 includes gripping means 28, which in this embodiment is a universal joint 30 adjustable when locking screw 32 is released. Gripping means 28 includes hollow mounting part 34 shown secured on extension rod 35. In the embodiment of Fig. 2, similar parts are similarly numbered. Tube 10 in which the first end 6 of support arm 8 is positioned is fixedly carried by triangular member 42 secured to one side member 14 of the scoop, with a corresponding triangular member 42a secured to the other side member 16. Gripping means 48 has a hollow mounting part 44 fixable on extension rod 35, but does not include a universal joint, so that all angular adjustment between the support arm 8 and scoop 2 occurs between first end 6 and tube 10. Scoop 2 has an end member 46. In an alternative embodiment, triangular member 42 is removable, and can be re-affixed to the opposed scoop wall instead of using a separate triangular member 42a; the alternative embodiment is lighter, and is more convenient to use under overhanging tiles which triangular member 42a might foul.
The embodiment of Fig. 3 is of an alternative design of scoop with a flat base 50, and perpendicular end member 52 and side members 54 and 56. Cross-member 58 has a pair of mounting holes 60a, 60b with which hole 62 in part 64 can alternatively be aligned. Part 64 has a pair of flanges 66, to fit one either side of cross-member 58; and a triangular raised portion 68 carrying tube 70. Whilst this embodiment of scoop is likely to be selected for clearing square-sided guttering, the part-cylinderical shape of scoop of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 could be equally effective for such guttering since the debris which is not cleared from a corner on the first pass is likely to be washed to an intermediate position between the guttering side members when the guttering next receives a significant rainwater flow.
Fig. 4 shows a support arm 8 having an annular recess 72 in its first end 6. The screw 18 is entered sufficient to prevent axial withdrawal of support arm 8, but insufficient to inhibit relatively pivoting of tube 10 and thus of scoop 2 relative to support arm 8, as may be required if the trough clearing tool is drawn along guttering with the operator stationary as at a single window.
The trough clearing tool of this invention is thus suitable for cleaning guttering without need for the operator to climb a ladder leaning against an outside wall, since the use of an extension rod of suitable length and weight can permit the operator to stand at ground level or at an upstairs window. It is thus safer to use for those afraid of heights, and avoids the need to employ workmen, and can form part of the regular building maintenance to avoid unnecessary overflow damage repair. The size of cross-member 12 and tube 8 of Fig. 1, and of triangular member 42 of Fig. 2, and of the triangular raised portion 68 of Fig. 3 and of equivalent members in other embodiments with the claimed scope of this invention is selected so as to permit the tool to be manoeuvred above the guttering but below the roof e.g. the roof tiles, so as to allow the tool to be positioned in and removed from the guttering.
The tool can of course be used from above if the installation so requires, for instance if access to the guttering is more convenient when seated astride the roof ridge. The support arm and coupling arm can be integral, as in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 embodiments, or separate.
Fig. 5 is a partial plan view of a scoop shape I have found suitable for clearing standard guttering, and rectangular cross-section gutting. One embodiment (full lines) has a width W₂ of 11.1 cm which I have found suitable for guttering of 10.0 cm to 11.5 cm; and a second embodiment (dotted lines) has a width W₁ of 10.2 cm which I have found suitable for guttering of 7.5 cm. Typically length L will be 15.2 cm; and radius R of 6.8 cm.
Fig. 6a shows schematically the smaller tool in the 7.5 cm guttering; Fig. 6b the larger tool in 10.0 cm guttering; and Fig. 6c the larger tool in 11.5 cm guttering.
Although Fig. 6c shows that the larger tool with width W₂ has the expected greater clearance in the bigger of the two gutters in which it is used, the shape of the guttering means that most if not all of the debris collected in the gutter accumulates in the centre; even debris on the side walls can subsequently be washed into the centre following clearance of the debris from the centre of the trough.
Fig. 7 is of another embodiment of universal joint 43. Support arm 24 has the ball (not shown) of a ball and socket joint.
The socket comprises a base 37 on mounting part 34, having a hollow 36 for receiving an extension rod 35. Base 37 is shaped so that together with an inner surface of securement member 38 a spherical ball-receiving area 39 is created. Support arm 24 is fed through securement member 38 until the securement member 38 is engaged by the ball; securement member 38 is then tightened upon mounting part 34 by the screwed inter-connection 40. Rubber washer 41 is provided to seal the gap between securement member 38 and mounting part 34.
To allow adjustment of the operational angle and/or the insert angle, the member 38 is loosened, and then retightened.
Fig. 8 is of yet another embodiment of universal joint 53 comprising a pinch clamp section 41, releasably held by an adjustable clamp e.g. a bolt through aligned apertures 42.
Fig. 9 is a front schematic view of an upstairs window 80, indicating the operational angle α selected to clear the length of guttering adjacent the window. For a section of the guttering to the right, as seen in Fig. 9, either a smaller operational angle α would be used; or the operational angle α would be reversed (as shown in dotted lines) and that section cleared from another window (i.e. to the right) not shown; either by the scoop 2 being pushed, or by its being pulled after being turned around. (e.g. as in the Fig. 1 embodiment by support arm 8 being positioned in tube 10 from the other side; or in the Fig. 2 embodiment removing triangular member 42 and repositioning it to the position of 42a, etc.).
The operational angle α can be judged if required before the trough clearing tool is fed out of window 80 against the join internally between the inside wall 82 and the room ceiling 84.
As can be seen in Fig. 10, the universal joint 30 can be adjusted to allow handle 35 to be held either from inside window 80 (full line) or from outside the window i.e. from a ladder or from the ground. Guttering 4 is secured to the outside of wall 82, below the roof 86, and specifically below overhanging tile(s) 88.
Fig. 11 is a schematic front view of a trough clearing tool in which the operational angle α is provided by handle 35 and (universal) joint 30, even though coupling arm 24, as in known trough clearers, has a zero operational angle. Fig. 12 is of an embodiment similar to that of Fig. 9 where the operational angle α is formed by coupling arm 24.
Fig. 13 is a schematic end view showing the large angle of insertion B needed in a trough 4 under overhanging tiles 88, and the value therefore of universal joint 30.
Inner tool wall 90 has to pass below the overhanging roof-tile 88; whilst the base 92 of the tool has to clear the outer wall 94 of the trough.
Though the tool has been described in relation to clearing roof guttering, it will be understood that it can readily be used to clear other troughs e.g. on farms, to clear out floor troughs in swill areas; in public urinals, for clearing floor troughs; in a garage car wash, where water is guided to a central drain; and in swimming baths, around the pool and showers. Not only is my tool more convenient, in many applications it helps public hygiene and reduces operator health hazards.
In the U.K. there are currently six sizes of roof guttering (3 imperial, 3 metric) and to clear all of these I have found that I need only two sizes of my scoop, when allied to my improved operational angle. Conveniently the scoop is of 20 gauge steel sheet, but a thinner material may be used in conjunction with hollow rods 24, 35 e.g. of aluminium, for applications requiring the tool weight to be further reduced i.e. reduced cantilever loading. The leading edge of the tool is rounded, to assist trough clearing adjacent trough end stops and corners. In alternative embodiments the scoop can be of plastics material or of a fabricated material such as bonded wood fibres, or the material sold under the Registered Trade Mark "TUFNOL".

Claims

A trough clearing tool comprising a scoop (2) having a pair of opposed sidewalls, the sidewalls being joined by a leading edge adapted to collect debris from the trough base when the scoop is moved forwardly along the trough, a trough base engaging surface extending rearwardly from the leading edge, a rear end for the scoop adapted in conjunction with said side-walls to retain debris collected at said leading edge, and a support arm (8) having a first end (6) connected to the scoop (2) and a second end (20) which extends over a sidewall to engage with one end (22) of a coupling arm (24), the operational scoop angle between the trough base and the trough engaging surface being adjustable by means of the coupling arm, the coupling arm having gripping means (28,48) at its other end (27) characterised in that the support arm (8) can be connected to the scoop to extend alternately over each sidewall, in that a pivotable connection (8,10) is provided between the first end of the support arm and the scoop, in that adjustment means (28,30,32) are provided to vary the angle between a sidewall and the gripping means whereby to facilitate insertion of the scoop into the trough, and in that the coupling arm is adjustable relative to the trough engaging surface whereby the operational angle as herein defined is made greater than zero with the said leading edge being therefore closer to the trough base than said rear end.
A trough clearing tool according to Claim 1 characterised in that the gripping means is a universal joint (30,43,53), the universal joint being simultaneously adjustable to alter both the operational angle, and the tool insertion angle.
A trough clearing tool according to Claim 2 characterised in that the universal joint (30,43,53) includes a ball and socket, the socket being the said an end (27) of the coupling arm, and in that the universal joint includes a pinch clamp.
A trough clearing tool according to Claim 1 characterised in that the coupling arm (24) is connected to an extension handle (35) by the universal joint (30,43,53), the trough being a gutter for a multi-storey building.