EP4661652A1

EP4661652A1 - Building structure of a framework comprising uprights and beams covered with a foil

Info

Publication number: EP4661652A1
Application number: EP24786903.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wilhelmus Petrus VERMEULEN; Adriaan Johannes Maria VAN UIJEN; Frans VAN GELDEREN
Original assignee: Rovero Systems BV
Current assignee: Rovero Systems BV
Priority date: 2023-10-03
Filing date: 2024-10-03
Publication date: 2025-12-17
Also published as: WO2025075502A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a building structure of a framework comprising uprights (1), beams (3, 5) of profile material and a roof portion in a closed position being covered on the outside with a sheet-like material (11) such as a plastic foil, comprising: - an upper longitudinal beam (5) connected to the framework, a longitudinal first edge of the sheet-like material (11) being fixed to the upper longitudinal beam (5), - transverse frame members (4), extending from the upper longitudinal beam (5) to a lower edge of the roof portion, - a roller beam (15), extending substantially parallel to the upper longitudinal beam (5), a longitudinal second edge of the sheet-like material (11) being parallel opposite to the longitudinal first edge of the sheet-like material (11) being fixed to the roller beam (15), - a driver motor (26) driving the roller beam (15) for rotation on the central axis thereof, such that the roller beam (15) is winded into and out of the sheet-like material (11), therewith moving the roller beam (15) towards and away from the upper longitudinal beam (5) between an open and a closed position respectively, - a longitudinal gutter element (30), extending substantially parallel to the upper longitudinal beam (5), comprising a bottom wall (33) and two opposed side walls (34) upwardly extending from the bottom wall (33), the gutter element (30) being arranged at the lower edge of the roof portion so as to receive precipitation from the roof portion when in closed position, - a longitudinal overhang element (36) being arranged at the lower edge of the roof portion, the overhang element (36) extending parallel to the gutter element (30) and comprising an overhanging flange (37) extending away from the upper longitudinal beam (5) towards the bottom wall (33) of the gutter element (30), defining a receiving space (314) for the roller beam (15) below the overhanging flange (37), wherein - the gutter element (30) comprises an upper wall (35) extending above and parallel to the bottom wall (33), the bottom wall (33), the two side walls (34) and the upper wall (35) defining a substantially closed gutter chamber (32) for receiving the precipitation therein, and - the bottom wall (33), the two side walls (34), the upper wall (35) of the gutter element (30) and the longitudinal overhang element (36) are configured as an integral unit.

Description

Building structure of a framework comprising uprights and beams covered with a foil

The invention relates to a building structure of a framework comprising uprights and beams of profile material, said framework including a roof portion, the roof portion in a closed position being covered on the outside with a sheet-like material, in particular a flexible sheet material such as a plastic foil comprising an upper longitudinal beam connected to the framework, a longitudinal first edge of the sheetlike material being fixed to the upper longitudinal beam, transverse frame members, extending from the upper longitudinal beam to a lower edge of the roof portion, a roller beam, extending substantially parallel to the upper longitudinal beam, a longitudinal second edge of the sheet-like material being parallel opposite to the first longitudinal edge of the sheet-like material being fixed to the roller beam, a driver motor driving the roller beam for rotation on the central axis thereof, such that the roller beam is winded into and out of the sheet-like material, therewith moving the roller beam towards and away from the upper longitudinal beam between an open and a closed position respectively, a longitudinal gutter element, extending substantially parallel to the upper longitudinal beam, comprising a bottom wall and two opposed side walls upwardly extending from the bottom wall, the gutter element being arranged at the lower edge of the roof portion so as to receive precipitation from the roof portion when in closed position, and a longitudinal overhang element being arranged at the lower edge of the roof portion, the overhang element extending parallel to the gutter element and comprising an overhanging flange extending away from the upper longitudinal beam towards the bottom wall of the gutter element, defining a receiving space for the roller beam below the overhanging flange.

Such building structures are known from e.g. WO00/60192 and US5,564,234, and allow for convenient opening and closing of the roof of greenhouses by moving a roller beam from a closed lower position to an open position and vice vera by unwinding and winding the foil around the roller beam. By the presence of an overhanging flange at the lower edge of the roof portion, the roller beam will, while being unwound, nest itself under the said overhanging flange and therewith tighten the foil over the transverse frame members. By rotating the roller beam in opposite direction, the roller beam is unnested from the overhanging flange, the foil being wound on the roller beam while moving the beam upwards to open the roof. For a more detailed explanation of the mechanism, reference is made to both US5,564,234 and WO00/60192, herein incorporated by reference.

One of the disadvantages of the building structures of the art is the building the structures is laborious and requires intensive manual construction in particular when it comes to the gutter construction. The gutter construction of the art is exemplified in figures 4 and 5 of WO00/60192. The reference numbers used in this paragraph refer to those as used in these figures, respectively. In the structure shown in figure 5 of WO00/60192, the transverse frame members 4 are connected to a longitudinal overhang element with an overhanging flange 60, the said overhang element being screwed down to a gutter element 30. Also, a bracket is screwed down on the gutter element for holding outer cross beams 4’, that are present to allow the roller beam to move between the transverse frame members and the cross beams in order to avoid the roller beam to be blown away from the roof by strong wind. In figure 4 of WO00/60192, a separate bracket 31 of limited length is mounted on a gutter element 30. This bracket enables mounting thereon of longitudinally arranged pipes 33 that provide for an overhang element to allow a roller beam 15 to be nested therein, and to connect transverse frame members 4 therewith. Such brackets are mounted on the gutter element locally, at positions where transverse frame members are to be connected to the gutter element.

The gutter element therefor requires intensive construction labour, and the screw connection has the risk of leakage, in particular over time, requiring intensive maintenance. Further, the gutter of the building structures of the art are open from the above, therewith not only receiving meteorologic precipitation such as rain, snow and hail, but also biological debris such as tree leaves, soil, animal waste etcetera. Also, the strength of the gutter is limited, in particular relevant in case of heavy snowfall.

The invention now provides an improvement and solution to one or more of the above problems by providing a building structure of the above type, in particular intended to be used as greenhouse, wherein the gutter element comprises an upper wall extending above and parallel to the bottom wall, the bottom wall, the two side walls and the upper wall defining a substantially closed gutter chamber for receiving the precipitation therein, wherein the bottom wall, the two side walls, the upper wall and the longitudinal overhang element of the gutter element are configured as an integral unit. So, not only the bottom wall and the side walls, but also the longitudinal overhang element is integrally formed with the gutter element, the gutter element further comprising an integrally formed upper wall for providing a substantially closed gutter chamber.

By configuring the gutter element as integral unit, i.e. , made of a single piece and the provision of an upper wall, the gutter structure is stiffer and can receive more weight. Further, by integrally forming the longitudinal overhang element with the gutter element, preferably at a side wall of the gutter element, there is no further construction work necessary to mount the gutter element. The gutter element now comprises a longitudinal overhang element integrally formed thereon, i.e., formed in one piece, and the gutter element can be mounted to the building structure by connecting the longitudinal overhang element with e.g. the lower ends of the transverse frame members.

The configuration as an integral unit also avoids any friction between the overhang element, often made from steel, and the gutter, made from e.g. aluminium, avoiding wear and leakage.

In an attractive embodiment, the bottom wall, the side walls and the upper wall continuously extend over the complete length of the longitudinal gutter element, therewith forming a continuous gutter chamber, surrounded by the said walls. The gutter chamber is therewith protected from receiving any undesired debris or material therein, allowing for collection of rainwater without such contaminants, that can e.g. be used to water plants, grown within the structure. The term ‘continuous extend’ means that the respective element is made of one piece, and not separated in separate pieces connected to one another in any way. It may however be possible to include local openings in the continuous element, e.g. to allow rainwater to enter the gutter chamber. Accordingly, the term ‘substantially closed’ allows for the presence of such openings, intended to allow entry of rain water into the gutter chamber, and to inhibit entry of larger debris. Preferably, less than 20% of the surface of the upper wall of the gutter element constitutes of openings, more preferably less than 15%, even more preferably less than 10% most preferably 5% or less.

Attractively, the longitudinal gutter element extends over substantially the complete length of the building structure, in order to collect the precipitation such as rain or snow hitting the roof of the building structure. the longitudinal overhang elements are integrally formed at both side walls of the gutter element. Such a gutter element can be placed between two roof portions of the building structure, and can receive roller beams from two adjacent roof structures, as e.g. shown in figures 1 and 5 of WO00/60192.

Preferably, the overhanging flange runs parallel at a distance above the upper wall of the gutter element, the distance between the overhanging flange and the upper wall allowing passing of the roller beam when unwound. When the foil is unwound from the roller beam, the beam will abut the upper wall of the gutter element. By further unwinding, the foil will wind over the roller beam at the reverse side, resulting in nesting of the roller beam under the overhanging flange. Thereto, the distance between the overhanging flange and the upper gutter wall allows passage of the roller beam in unwound condition, i.e. , when the roller beam comprises less than 3 windings of the foil, preferably less than 2 windings, more preferably less than a single winding.

Accordingly, the receiving space for the roller beam is defined between the overhanging flange and the upper wall of the gutter element. In a particular embodiment, a side wall connecting both the upper wall of the gutter element and the overhanging flange will define the lateral edge of the receiving space,

Preferably, the gutter element comprises mounting means for being connected with the transverse frame members. As explained above, in the art, a longitudinal overhang element is mounted on the lower ends of the transverse frame members. Since the longitudinal overhang element is now integrally formed on the gutter element, the gutter element can be mounted to the transverse frame members directly.

Preferably, the mounting means comprise a longitudinal chamber, formed on the outer surface of the gutter element, in particular at the overhang element, and comprising a longitudinally extending slit for receiving a fixing nut or bolt therein. Such a design provides a convenient way of mounting, e.g. by positioning nuts in the chamber and allowing a bolt to extend through the slit to be fastened with the nut present in the chamber. In particular, hammerhead nuts can be used that can enter the slit, but cannot turn within the chamber.

Preferably, building structure further comprising outer cross beams, being mounted on the structure at a distance above the transverse frame members, allowing the roller beam to move between the transverse frame members and the outer cross beams, the upper wall of the gutter element comprising mounting means for connecting the lower edge of the said outer cross beams on the upper wall of the gutter element. As explained above, the outer cross beams are mounted in order to provide a stable track for the roller beam to move, without the risk of being blown away by the wind. The gutter element as presented herein provides an optimal solution for fastening the outer cross beams to the building construction, since the gutter element has an upper wall, that provides anchoring space for the cross beams connection. To this end, brackets can be mounted on the upper wall with out the risk of leakage of the gutter.

Preferably, the mounting means comprise a longitudinal chamber, formed on the outer surface of the upper wall of the gutter element and comprising a longitudinally extending slit for receiving a fixing nut or bolt therein. As explained for mounting of the transverse frame members, the cross beams, or an interconnecting bracket can be mounted on the upper wall of the gutter element in a similar way.

Preferably, the upper wall of the gutter element comprises openings allowing the precipitation to enter the gutter chamber. The meteorological precipitation such as rain water, hail stones and snow will be collected in the gutter element. Thereto, the upper wall of the gutter element is provided with holes, perforations or slits or the like, allowing the precipitation to enter the gutter chamber. By suitably choosing the dimension of the holes, entry of undesired debris or tree foliage is avoided.

As the design of the gutter element as described herein allows for manufacture by extrusion, and is far more rigid than the gutter elements known in the art, wherein the gutter element can be made from a lighter material, such as aluminium, and possibly of a suitable plastic or composite material.

The invention also relates to a gutter element as described above, in particular for assembly in a building construction as defined above. Gutter elements from the art, e.g. known from WO00/60192 comprise a bottom wall and two opposed side walls upwardly extending from the bottom wall, a longitudinally extending overhang element comprising an overhanging flange extending towards the bottom wall defining a receiving space for a roller beam to be received therein. However, the gutter element consists of a bottom wall and two adjacent side walls, that are integrally formed. The longitudinally extending overhang element is separately mounted to the side walls, requiring laborious efforts and resulting in leakage as explained above. Further, the gutter is open from above, allowing undesired debris to be collected therein, rendering the rain water unsuitable for being used for watering plants that are e.g. grown within the building structure. In order to be sufficiently strong, the gutter elements in the art are usually made of steel, whereas the overhang elements and optionally present brackets mounted on the gutter element may be of aluminium. Rain water, collected from gutter elements made of steel is not suitable for watering plants, and cannot be reused. In the gutter element of the invention, not only the bottom wall and the side walls, but also the longitudinal overhang element is integrally formed with the gutter element, the gutter element further comprising an integrally formed upper wall for providing a substantially closed gutter chamber. The gutter according to the invention provides for a strong and rigid gutter element, that can be made integrally, i.e. from one piece without the need for mounting additional elements thereon, therewith enabling a relatively light material such as aluminium to be used instead of steel while keeping the required rigidity and strength, and enabling the reuse of the collected water while avoiding debris to contaminate the collected rain water.

Attractively, the bottom wall, the side walls and the upper wall continuously extend over the complete length of the longitudinal gutter element. This means that the gutter element provides for a substantially closed gutter chamber with sufficient rigidity and strength.

As explained above, the overhanging flange preferably runs parallel and at a distance above the upper wall, the distance between the overhanging flange and the upper wall allowing passing of a roller beam. The overhanging flange preferably extends over the complete length of the longitudinal gutter element in order to provide optimal nesting opportunity for the roller beam.

As discussed above, the upper wall of the gutter element preferably comprises openings allowing the precipitation to enter the gutter chamber.

For facilitating construction of a building structure as described above, the gutter element preferably comprises a longitudinal chamber, formed on the outer surface of the gutter element comprising a longitudinally extending slit for receiving a fixing nut or bolt therein. Such a longitudinal chamber is designed to receive fixing means to connect transverse frame members of the building structure with the gutter element as explained above.

Accordingly, the upper wall of the gutter element preferably comprises a longitudinal chamber, formed on the outer surface of the upper wall of the gutter element and comprising a longitudinally extending slit for receiving a fixing nut or bolt therein. Such a longitudinal chamber is designed to receive fixing means to connect outer cross beams of the building structure with the gutter element.

The invention is now further exemplified by way of the figures, wherein figure 1 shows a perspective top view of an embodiment of the building structure as described herein, and figure 2 shows a cross section of an embodiment of the gutter element as described herein.

In figure 1 , the building structure comprises a framework, comprising uprights 1 , an upper longitudinal beam 5, cross beams 3, and transverse frame members 4, connected to and extending from both longitudinal sided of the upper longitudinal beam 5 downward towards two opposed gutter elements 30, that extend substantially parallel to the upper longitudinal beam 5 over substantially the complete length of the building structure, the transverse frame members 4 being connected to the gutter element 30.

To each of the two opposing longitudinal sides of the upper longitudinal beam 5, plastic foil sheet material 11 is fixed, at a longitudinal edge thereof. The opposite longitudinal edge of the foil material 11 is fixed to a roller beam 15, extending essentially parallel to the upper longitudinal beam 5. The foil material 11 has a length which corresponds with the length of the roller beam 15 and may span a part of or the whole length of the building structure. The width of the foil material 11 is defined by the two opposite longitudinal edges thereof and may correspond with the length of a transverse frame member 4 or a portion thereof.

The roller beam 15 is driven by a driver motor assembly 26, driving the roller beam 15 for rotation on the central axis thereof such that the roller beam 15 is winded into and out of the foil 11 , moving the roller beam 15 towards and away from the upper longitudinal beam 5 between an open and closed position, respectively.

In the closed position, the roller beam 11 is nested in a receiving space 314, defined by longitudinal overhang element 36 being an integral part of the gutter element 30, shown in figure 2. The principle of winding and unwinding of the roller beam and nesting thereof in the overhang element 36 is described in e.g., US5,564,234, WO00/08918 and WO00/60192.

The framework thus comprises a roof portion, defined by the space within the framework that is covered by the plastic foil material 11 when in closed position, and above the horizontal between the two opposed gutter elements 30.

It is thus possible to roll up the span of transverse frame member 4 from the lower edge of the roof portion, i.e. defined by the gutter element 30, as far as to the upper edge thereof, being defined by the longitudinal beam 5, and to unroll it again in reverse direction in order to cover the roof portion of the framework.

The uprights 1 and the longitudinal upper beam 5 are formed from profile material or compound profile material. The same preferably applies for the transverse frame members 4.

If desired, cross braces can be arranged which can be formed by longitudinally extending rods 6 or tensioning wires 7 between the transverse frame members 4.

The building structure can be strengthened by horizontally extending beams 28 interconnecting adjacent uprights 1 close to the lower ends thereof. Between the uprights 1 and the horizontal beams 28, the framework is covered with plastic foil 10, forming substantially vertical side walls of the building structure.

In figure 2, gutter element 30, e.g., manufactured as a single integrally formed element, e.g., formed by extrusion from a suitable extrudable material, such as aluminium, comprises a bottom wall 33 and two opposed side walls 34 upwardly extending from the bottom wall 33. The gutter element 30 further comprises an upper wall 35 extending above and parallel to the bottom wall, interconnecting the opposed side walls 34 at a distance above the bottom wall 33. The bottom wall 33, the two opposed side walls 34 and the upper wall 35 therewith define a substantially closed gutter chamber 32 for receiving the precipitation therein. The gutter element 30 further comprises overhang elements 36 extending upwardly from both side walls 34, having an overhanging flange 7, extending away from the upper longitudinal beam 5 towards the bottom wall 33 of the gutter element. The distance d between overhanging flange 37 and the upper wall 35 allow for passage of the roller beam 15 when unwound, to enter receiving space 314, defined between the overhanging flange 37 and the upper wall 35, and laterally limited by side wall 38 connecting both the upper wall 35 of the gutter element 30 and the overhanging flange 37. The overhanging flange 37 runs parallel above the upper wall 35 of the gutter element 30, enabling smooth entry of the roller beam 15 into the receiving space 314.

The outer surface 36 of the overhang element 37 comprises a longitudinally extending chamber 39 with a longitudinal slit 310 wherein a nut can be accommodated for fixation with a bolt extending through slit 310, to e.g. fix the gutter element 30 with the transverse frame members 4.

Accordingly, the upper wall 35 comprises a longitudinally extending chamber 311 with a longitudinal slit 312 wherein a nut can be accommodated for fixation with a bolt extending through slit 312, e.g., to fix outer cross beams, not shown here. Such outer cross beams are mounted on the structure at a distance above the transverse frame members 4, allowing the roller beam 15 to move between the transverse frame members and the outer cross beams, For a more detailed description of fixation of outer crossbeams, reference is made to figures 5 and 6 of WO00/60192, the outer cross beams referred therein by reference number 4’. Accordingly, the lower end of such cross beams is connected to the outer surface of the upper wall 35.

The upper wall 35 comprises openings 313 that can e.g. be designed as perforations, slits and the like to allow meteorological precipitation, in particular rain water, to enter the gutter chamber 32, preferably preventing other debris such as leaves and other plant and tree material to enter the gutter chamber 32. Thereto, the upper wall 35 may incline somewhat downwards towards the middle, i.e., towards chamber 312. The meteorological precipitation can be collected and used for the plants, grown within the building structure.

Claims

1. Building structure of a framework comprising uprights (1) and beams (3, 5) of profile material, said framework including a roof portion, the roof portion in a closed position being covered on the outside with a sheet-like material (11) such as a plastic foil, comprising:

- an upper longitudinal beam (5) connected to the framework, a longitudinal first edge of the sheet-like material (11) being fixed to the upper longitudinal beam (5),

- transverse frame members (4), extending from the upper longitudinal beam (5) to a lower edge of the roof portion,

- a roller beam (15), extending substantially parallel to the upper longitudinal beam (5), a longitudinal second edge of the sheet-like material (11) being parallel opposite to the longitudinal first edge of the sheet-like material (11) being fixed to the roller beam (15),

- a driver motor (26) driving the roller beam (15) for rotation on the central axis thereof, such that the roller beam (15) is winded into and out of the sheet-like material (11), therewith moving the roller beam (15) towards and away from the upper longitudinal beam (5) between an open and a closed position respectively,

- a longitudinal gutter element (30), extending substantially parallel to the upper longitudinal beam (5), comprising a bottom wall (33) and two opposed side walls (34) upwardly extending from the bottom wall (33), the gutter element (30) being arranged at the lower edge of the roof portion so as to receive precipitation from the roof portion when in closed position,

- a longitudinal overhang element (36) being arranged at the lower edge of the roof portion, the overhang element (36) extending parallel to the gutter element (30) and comprising an overhanging flange (37) extending away from the upper longitudinal beam (5) towards the bottom wall (33) of the gutter element (30), defining a receiving space (314) for the roller beam (15) below the overhanging flange (37), characterized in that

- the gutter element (30) comprises an upper wall (35) extending above and parallel to the bottom wall (33), the bottom wall (33), the two side walls (34) and the upper wall (35) defining a substantially closed gutter chamber (32) for receiving the precipitation therein, and

- the bottom wall (33), the two side walls (34), the upper wall (35) of the gutter element (30) and the longitudinal overhang element (36) are configured as an integral unit.

2. Building structure of claim 1 , wherein the bottom wall (33), the side walls (34) and the upper wall (35) continuously extend over the complete length of the longitudinal gutter element (30).

3. Building structure of claim 1 or 2, wherein the longitudinal gutter element (30) extends over substantially the complete length of the building structure.

4. Building structure of any of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal overhang element (36) is integrally formed at a side wall (34) of the gutter element (30).

5. Building structure of claim 4, wherein longitudinal overhang elements (36) are integrally formed at both side walls (34) of the gutter element (30).

6. Building structure of any of the preceding claims, wherein the overhanging flange (37) runs parallel and at a distance (d) above the upper wall (35) of the gutter element (30), the distance (d) between the overhanging flange (37) and the upper wall (35) allowing passing of the roller beam (15) when unwound.

7. Building structure of any of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving space (314) for the roller beam (15) is defined between the overhanging flange (37) and the upper wall (35) of the gutter element (37).

8. Building structure of any of the preceding claims, wherein the gutter element (30) comprises mounting means (39, 310) for being connected with the transverse frame members (4).

9. Building structure of claim 8, wherein the mounting means comprise a longitudinal chamber (39), formed on the outer surface of the gutter element (30) and comprising a longitudinally extending slit (310) for receiving a fixing nut or bolt therein.

10. Building structure of any of the preceding claims, the building structure further comprising outer cross beams, being mounted on the structure at a distance above the transverse frame members (4), allowing the roller beam (15) to move between the transverse frame members (4) and the outer cross beams, the upper wall (5) of the gutter element (30) comprising mounting means (311 , 312) for connecting the lower edge of the said outer cross beams on the upper wall ( 35) of the gutter element (30).

11. Building structure of claim 10, wherein the mounting means comprise a longitudinal chamber (311), formed on the outer surface of the upper wall (35) of the gutter element (30) and comprising a longitudinally extending slit (312) for receiving a fixing nut or bolt therein.

12. Building structure of any of the preceding claims, wherein the upper wall (35) of the gutter element (30) comprises openings (313) allowing the precipitation to enter the gutter chamber (32).

13. Building structure of any of the preceding claims, wherein the gutter element (30) is made by extrusion.

14. Building structure of any of the preceding claims, wherein the gutter element (30) is made of aluminium.

15. Gutter element (30) as defined in any of the above claims, comprising

- a bottom wall (33) and two opposed side walls (34) upwardly extending from the bottom wall (33),

- a longitudinally extending overhang element (36) comprising an overhanging flange (37) extending towards the bottom wall (33) defining a receiving space (314) for a roller beam (15) to be received therein, characterized in that the gutter element further comprises an upper wall (35) extending above and parallel to the bottom wall (33), wherein

- the bottom wall (33), the two side walls (34) and the upper wall (35) define a substantially closed gutter chamber (32) for receiving the precipitation therein,

- the bottom wall (33), the two side walls (34), the upper wall (35) and the longitudinally extending overhang element (36) are configured as an integral unit.

16. Gutter element (30) of claim 15, wherein the bottom wall (33), the side walls (34) and the upper wall (35) continuously extend over the complete length of the longitudinal gutter element (30).

17. Gutter element (30) of claim 15 or 16, wherein the overhanging flange (37) runs parallel and at a distance (d) above the upper wall (35), the distance (d) between the overhanging flange (37) and the upper wall (35) allowing passing of a roller beam.

18. Gutter element (30) of any of claims 15 -17, wherein the upper wall (35) of the gutter element (30) comprises openings (313) allowing the precipitation to enter the gutter chamber (32).

19. Gutter element (30) of any of claims 15 -18, further comprising a longitudinal chamber (39), formed on the outer surface of the gutter element (30) comprising a longitudinally extending slit (310) for receiving a fixing nut or bolt therein.

20. Gutter element (30) of any of claims 15 -19, wherein the upper wall (5) of the gutter element (30) comprises a longitudinal chamber (311), formed on the outer surface of the upper wall (35) of the gutter element (30) and comprising a longitudinally extending slit (312) for receiving a fixing nut or bolt therein.