GB2192412A - Gutter fastening device - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for fastening a gutter (2) and eaves covers (9, 13) to the eaves edge of a rafter roof (15, 17, 18) comprises a plate (20) which is fixed to the eaves end of a rafter side face (15) by means of a lateral fastening portion (60). The plate, has a recess serving for receiving the gutter. So that this fastening device can be of universal use, holes for receiving fastening means, are arranged distributed over the surface of the plate. Below the gutter recess the plate is provided with two cut-outs (one shown at 40) which are provided with vertically extending aligned flange strips and which can accommodate means (6) for fixing eaves covers 9 and 13. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Gutter fastening device The invention relates to a device for fastening a gutter and an eaves cover the eaves edge of a rafter roof.

A fastening device of this type general form is known from U.S. patent specification 4,128,974 (Taylor) and comprises a generally square plate which, when installed, is directed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the gutter and which can be fixed, by means of a lateral fastening portion, to the eaves end of a rafter side face. In the region of its upper edge, it has a recess serving for receiving the gutter and provided with an adjoining angled portion for supporting the latter, and the device is also equipped with means for fixing the eaves cover The known fastening device can consist of a piece of sheet steel and, in the fastening portion fixable to the rafter side face, has some small bores for receiving-fastening means. The contour of the known fastening device is designed specifically for receiving a particular gutter having a box profile.The gutter is fastened and retained by means of -resili- ent holding members. On the side distant from the building, (the outer side) the known fastening-device has a relatively long internal flange which, in its two end portions, has fastening devices for receiving and retaining matched fastening elements of a particular eaves cladding. All these matchings and specific designs involvea high outlay and considerably restrict the universal use of the known fastening device. The transport, storage and handling of the known fastening device are relatively complicated.

In contrast to this, the object of' the present invention is to design providing in a -simple manner, a -fastening device which can be used universally, whilst at the same time being easy to handle. The fastening device will make it possible to attach different eaves-cover fastening means' in varying alignment, and to provide for the attachment of different eavescover and cladding elements.

The invention accordingly provides a device for fastening a gutter and an eaves cover to the eaves edge of a rafter roof, the device being of plate-like form and, when installed, extending perpendicular to the length of thegutter, the device having a lateral extension for fixing to the eaves end of a rafter side face and a main portion having in its upper edge d recess for receiving and supporting a gutter, a cut-out beneath the recess having at its outer edge, further from the building, an integral flange which extends generally vertically, the device having in -its lower edge a generally rectangular recess with a flange at its outer, vertical' edge aligned with the first said flange, the said flanges being provided for the attachment of laths, battens or the like.

As seen in such elevation, a preferred form of fastening device according to the invention has a contour formed essentially by a generally square main portion and a triangular portion which projects laterally from this and by which the device is fastened to a rafter side face. The triangular fastening portion is of sufficient size to guarantee stable warp resistant attachment, the gutter always being located underneath the eaves edge of the roofing tiles.

The fastening device is particularly suitable for the situation which is frequently encountered in which the eaves ends of the roof rafters project beyond the vertical brickwork.

Holes for the passage of nails, screws or other fastening means are located both within the square plate and within the fastening portion. The bores within the fastening portion can be, for example, typical nail-holes with a diameter of 4.5mm, which are distributed in large numbers essentially uniformly over the entire surface of the fastening portion and which, in any event, allow the fastening device to be attached to the roof rafter safely in terms of bearing capacity. The bores within the square plate can have different diameters, for example 3mm on the one hand and 4.5mm on the other hand. Preferably, corresponding bores are also made in: the said flanges.To attach the fastening means for an eaves cover or for the direct attachment of the elements of an eaves cover, other cladding and the like, a plurality of bores for the passage of nails, screws, pins and the like at suitable points is therefore provided.

The large-area continuously closed cut-out within the square plate provides a hole through which the workman can reach. It thus becomes substantially easier to handie the fastening device and attach it to the'rafter roof.

The essentially rectangular recess in the region of the lower plate edge preferably serves for receiving a typical fastening batten and can have appropriate dimensions, for- example dimensions of 30 x 50mm, for receiving a roof lath. Such battens and laths, when installed, extend parallel to the eaves and can serve, for example, for fastening the horizontally aligned elements and panels of eaves cladding.

The two aligned vertical flanges provide two bearing surfaces, arranged at a distance-from one another and aligned with- one another, for a batten aligned vertically, when' installed, and intended for attaching the elements of an eaves cover and/or other cladding.

In the preferred embodiment of the fastening device, the large-area cut-out has at its lower edge a third flange bent at right angles and directed perpendicularly to the other flanges. This produces an angle section, the two legs of which each form a bearing surface for eaves-cover fastening means, bracing and stiffening means and the like and'which ad ditionally reinforces the square plate.

On the triangular fastening portion, prefera bly at least one fixing spike is partially stamped out and bent at right angles, to make iteasier to attach the fastening device temporarily. It is particularly preferable to provide at least two fixing spikes which project at right angles and which are arranged at such a distance from one another as to allow them to- be driven into the roof rafter together, whilst nevertheless gUaranteeing temporary fixing of the device in the selected alignment. In practice, the workman will hold the fastening device by the closed large-are second cut-out with one hand, hold it against a roof rafter and drive the fixing spikes into the roof rafter by means of a hammer or the like guided by the other hand.For example, a-distance between the two fixing spikes of approximately 10 to 30mm has proved suitable. The fixing spikes themselves can have; for example, a length of 8 to 20mm.

As already mentioned, a recess for receiving a gutter having a typical gutter profile is located in the square plate in the-- region- of its upper edge. This recess can, for example, be semicircular and is then suitable for- receiving the throar of typical gutters according to DIN 18,460. To hold the gutter securelywithin this recess, once it has been laid in place, clamping straps can be formed integrally on the fastening- device and can be bent round the front or rear bead of such a gutter.

The entire fastening device, with all the plate strips bent at right angles, is preferably made in- one piece. This makes.production considerably easier and cheaper, because the handiing and connection of separate parts are avoided. The starting material is a flat material, preferably sheet metal, especially galvanized sheet steel, from which-the entire fastening device, including the flanges and the optional clamping straps, are stamped out.

The flanges and the fixing spikes provided if required are subsequently bent at the appropriate angle. Sheet steel with a''thickness of 1.5mm has proved successful,-because, on the one han, it has the necessary strength and stability and, on the other'hand, it can be stamped and shaped by simple means. Alternatively, the -fastening device, including the plate strips bent at right angles, can consist of cast or intered alloys, fdr example aluminium alloys. If required, corrosion-resistant coats of paint or protective coverings are provided, insofar as the material is not sufficiently corrosion-resistant.Appropriate coverings can be produced, for example, by galvanizing, cop per-plating, lacquering or the like.

In a preferred embodiment; of the fastening device according to the invention the plate, in the region of its lower edge; has, at the transition to the fastening portion, an essentially triangular notch for receiving an inferior purlin.

This edge clearance makes it possible to pass round a possibly existing inferior purlin. In such a case, a single embodiment of the fastening device can meet virtually all the requirements occurring in practice.

A gutter under the eaves end of a pitched roof has to be laid with a sufficient gradient to guarantee that collected water will be transported to the down-pipe. This gradient is guaranteed by means of an appropriate arrangement of a number of fastening devices according to the invention on the individual roof rafters. To make alignment easier and to check the alignment, one or more cord notches can be made in the fastening device.

Such cord notches are made at an accessible exposed point, for example at the lowest point of the semicircular recess for receiving the gutter and/or at another point in the upper edge of the square plate.

In addition to a gutter, eaves covers or eaves facing or cladding, including their substructures, can be attached to the fastening device. In particular cases, it is possible to attach to the fastening device a wooden substructure which consists of conventional laths or battens and to which wood or plastic panels are attached in turn. Such panels can themselves be protected against water and other weather infiuences by means of a cover profile. Furthermore, instead of facing consisting of panels, or in addition to such facing, a cover made of shaped thin sheeting can be provided. The laths or battens of the wooden substructure can be attached to the square plate and/or -to the above mentioned flanges.

Because cross struts composed of longitudinal battens and transverse battens can also be attached without difficulty, a multiplicity of different substructures meeting virtually all the requirements occurring in practice can be produced.

In addition, measures for the directattach- ment of covers made of shaped thin sheeting or the like can be provided. Such attachment can be obtained by means of a frictional connection or a clamping fit, so that there is no need for any additional fastening means. For this purpose, the plate, in the region of its upper edge, can have a depression located immediately next to the recess serving for receiving the gutter. This depression or bevel makes it easier to insert an appropriate profile section of a cover profile into a clamping orifice in the clamping strap. Furthermore, the plate can have a rounded portion or bevel, at the corner between its outer, vertical edge and its lower edge.

As mentioned, the present invention provides a simple and economical device for the joint attachment of a gutter, eaves-cover fas tening means and, if appropriate, other covers or cladding to the eaves edge of a rafter roof, the device being of simple design, produced at low cost and guaranteeing many possibilities for the universal attachment of different eaves covers, cladding and the like. Thanks to the central large-area cut-out, the fastening devicecan be handles and transported easily.

A preferred form of device in accordance with the described invention is explained below, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side view of the eaves end of a roof rafter, to which is attached a fastening device which itself carries a gutter, a substructure for attaching an eaves cover, an eaves cover and a cover profile; Figure 2 is- a side view of the fastening device according to Fig. 1; Figure 3 is a plan view frond above of the fastening device according to Fig. 2; Figure 4 shows a view from the front of the fastening device according to Fig. 2; Figure 5 is a diagrammatic side view showing how an eaves cover consisting of panels is fastened to such a fastening device; and Figure 6 shows the fastening of a cover profile to such a fastening device.

Fig. 1 shows the eaves edge of a rafter roof, with the eaves end portion of a roof rafter 15 supporting roof battens 17 on which are hung roofing tiles 18. A generally planar fastening device 1 is attached to a rafter side face and extends essentially parallel to the roof rafter 15, beyond the eaves end face of the latter. The fastening device 1 consists essentially of a generally square main portion plate 20 with a large-area cut-out 40 and a generally triangular fastening portion 60 extending laterally of the plates and serving for attaching a gutter 2 and the components of a substructure for mounting an eaves cover 10.

This substructure can include wooden laths or battens 5, 7' and/or 6 (see Fig. 6); Furthermore, a profiled cover 12 can be attached directly to the fastening device -1. Instead of the cover 12, we may provide a profiled cover plate 13 (see Fig. 6) concealing the entire eaves front face. Other forms of cladding could also be provided. In order to attach an entire gutter 2 or an entire eaves cover 10, several fastening devices 1 are required, one such fastening device 1 preferably being attached to each roof rafter 1-5.

The fastening device 1 is described is described in more detail below with reference to Figs. 2, 3 and 4. The fastening device 1 illustrated consists of a single piece of flat material which has integral flanges bent at right angles. The flat material is approximately 1.5mm thick sheet steel having an anti-corro- sive covering or "paint coat". The square plate 20 has an upper plate'edge 21, an outer plate edge 22, furtherest from the building and a lower plate edge 23. 0n the remaining, inner side, there is integrally'formed the triangular fastening portion 60. Located in the region of the upper plate edge 21 is an upwardly open' recess 30 for receiving a typical gutter section.In the embodiment illustrated, this recess 30 is semicircular and is intended for receiving half-round gutters 2. Adjacent the edge of the recess 30 is an angled flange portion 31 forming a support for the gutter 2.

Arranged in the central region of the square plate 20 and underneath the recess 30 is a large-area; continuously closed cut-out 40 which has an outer edge 41, furthest from the building, a lower edge 44, an inner edge 46and a top edge 47. As shown, the top edge 47 can be shaped as a sector of a circle corresponding to the profile of the gutter section, this making it easier to grasp the fastening device 1 as a whole.

Adjacent to vertical edge 41 is.formed an integral flange 42 projecting at right angles from the square plate 20, and forming à bearing surface for battens or laths 5 of a substructure for attaching an eaves cover 10. As illustrated, adjacent the edge 44 is a third flange 43 which projects at right angles and which forms a further bearing surface for battens or laths 6 of such a substructure. Preferably, the flange 42 and the flange 43 are at right angles to one another and thus form the two legs of an angle section.

The cut-out 40 is sufficient size to ensurethat typical battens or laths 6 of the wooden substructure can be guided through the opening, and that a workman can easily reach through this cut-out 40 in order to hold the fastening device 1 as a whole.

In the square plate 20, there is, in the region of the lower plate edge 23, an-essentially rectangular recess 50, the dimensions of which are preferably matched to the crosssectional dimensions of typical battens or laths 7 of a wooden substructure'and which may measure, for example 30x50mm. At the vertical, outer edge 51 of the rectangular recess 50, is integrally formed a flange 54 bent at right angles and aligned with the first flange 42, so as to provide two aligned bearing surfaces located at a distance from one another and intended for a vertical batten our lath 5 of a substructure.

Furthermore, the square plate 20, in the region of its lower edges 23, can have, at the transition to the fastening portion 60, an essentially triangular edge clearance 64 making it possible-to pass round an inferior purlin 16 which may be present in some instances (see Fig. 6).

At least one fixing spike 62 is partially stamped out of the fastening pbrtion and projects at right angles thereto. There are preferably two fixing spikes 62 which are arranged at a distance of approximately 10 to 30mm from one another, so that under appropriate impact both fixing spikes 62 can be driven into the wood of the roof rafter 15 together.

As is evident from Fig. 2, the fastening device 1 as a whole has a plurality of throughbores for the passage of fastening means, such as nails, screws and the like. The bores 63 distributed over the entire surface of the fastening portion 60-can have. essentially the same diameter; a bore diameter of, four example, approximately 4.5 mum has proved satisfactory. Apart from the region between the. recess 30 and the cut-out 40, a plurality of through-bores 25 is also distributed over the entire surface of the square plate 20, and these are likewise intended for the passage of fastening means, such as nails, screws and the like.Since it may be necesary'for rela tively coarse timbers and laths, on the one hand, and relatively fine battens, on the other hand, to be attached to the square plate 20, it-is expedient to have bores of differing dia meter, for example-first bores 2' with a larger diameter (approximately 4.5mm) and second bores 25" with a smaller diameter (for example, 3mm).

Corresponding bores 26' are~also provided in the flanges 42, 43 and 54,, as shown. dia grammatically- in the plan -view -according to Fig. 4.

By means of the fastening device 1 illus trated, a gutter (among other things) is to be attached securely and permanently to the eaves edge of a pitched roof. Typical gutters (see DIN 1-8,460) have a semicircular gutter throat bounded by a front gutter bead 3 and a rear gutter bead 4 (see Fig.'6).-Fòr the reten tion of such a gutter 2, the fastening device 1 may be provided with a front clamping stap 33 and a rear-clamping strap 38 which are bent-round the corresponding gutter beads3 and 4. Such clamping straps 33, 38 can be integral extensions of the ang'led portion 31.

The -plate 20 can have, in the region of its upper edge 2-'1, a notch located immediately next to the recess 30. This notch28 ends at a locating groove 39, which is arranged adja cent the clamping strap 33 and into' which can be inserted an angled edge portion 12" of a cover profile 12 proof run-off (see Fig. 5), or of a facing- profile 13 (see Fig. '6). Further morn, the plate. 20- can have a rounded por tion 29 at the transition between its outer edge 22 and its lower edge 23. Such a rounded portion or bevel 29 makes it easier to attach the lower section of a fac.ing profile.

The gutter 2 inserted into a: row of fasten ing devices -1 must have a sufficient gradient for the reliable transport of water and this is guarnateed, above all, by an'appropriate at tachment and alignment of the fastening de vices 1 on the successive roof rafters 15. To make alignment easier, cord notches are pro vided at accessible points on' the fastening de vice 1-; for example, a first cord notch 27 is located at the bottom of 'the, gutter recess 30, and a second-cord notch 27' is locatedat the corner of the plate 20 formed between the upper edge 21 and the outer edge 22.

The fastening device 1 serves not only for attaching a gutter 2, but also for attaching eaves-cover fastening means. These eavescover fastening means are typically a wooden substructure which itself can consist of vari ous battens and/or laths 5, 6 and 7 (see Fig.

5).

As is evident from Fig. 5, such a substructure can include longitudinal laths 5 which, when installed, extend vertically and which can be attached, on the one hand, to the plate 20 adjacent its outer edge 22, on the other hand, to the flange 42 and/or tothe flange 54. The panels 8 of an eaves cover 10 can then be attached- to such longitudinal laths 5. The visible and weather side of the panels 8 can be protected additionally by a facing profile 11. A cover profile 12 preferably arranged so as to rise at a slight inclination and having a drip nose 12' protects the panels 8 of the eaves cover 10 from rain. The cover profile 12 can be inserted into the groove 39 by means of its arigled leg 12". The notch 28 in the region of the upper edge 21 of the plate 20 makes this insertion easier.

Moreover, the substructure can include horizontally extending transverse laths 6 and/or 7 which can be attached to the flange54 and to the and/or the flanges 42 and 43. For example, the panels 9 of an underside cladding and/or the base portion 13" of a facing profile 13 of an eaves facing can be attached to a transverse lath 6 (see Fig. 6). Furthermore, transverse laths 6 and/or 7 can also be connected to the longitudinal laths 5 and to one another to form cross struts. Finally, the portion of the plate 20 adjoining the lower edge 23 can also be attached directly to the end piece of a purlin or to a cross timber 19 (see Fig. 5). The many possible designs of the substructure provide universal possibilities for attachment of most conventional panels, sections or elements of eaves covers, cladding and the like.

Furthermore, the elements or sections of cover profiles or facing profiles 13 can be attached directly to the fastening device 1, as is evident from Fig. 6. The base portion 13" of such a facing profile 13 can be fastened to a transverse lath 6 which is inserted into the rectangular recess 50 and which is fastened to the flange 54. The rounding or bevelling 29 of the plate 20 makes it easier to insert a facing profile 13, which rests resiliently against the upper edge 21 of the plate 20 by means of its head portion 13', and against the lower edge 23 by means of its base portion 13". Ventilation orifices (not shown) can be provided in the base portion 13" of such a facing profile 13, in order to promote the ven dilation and deaeration from the underside of an eaves having all-round cladding (see the arrows 24 in Fig. 6).

A practical embodiment of the fastening device described above with reference to the drawings has, for example, a'length of approximately 40 to 60cm, preferably approximately 50cm, and a height (at the square plate) of approximately 15 to 30cm, preferably about 23cm. The flanges all project approximately 8 to 20mm, preferably about 12mm, above the surface of the flat material on the same side. Insofar as approximately 1.5mm thick sheet steel is selected as the flat material, the entire fastening device weights some 500 to 1 ,000g. and preferably about 800g. Such a fastening device is robust, can be attached to a roof rafter in a simple way and allows the stable attachment of virtually all the elements, sections, panels, boards and the like of conventional eaves facing or cladding.

Claims (9)

1. A device for fastening a gutter and an eaves cove to the eaves edge -of a rafter roof, the device being of plate-like form and, when installed, extending perpendicular to the length of the gutter, the device having a lateral extension for fixing to the eaves end of a rafter side face and a main portion having in its upper edge a recess for receiving and supporting a gutter, a cut-out beneath the recess having at its outer edge, further from the building, an integral flange which extends generally vertically, the device having in its lower edge a generally rectangular recess with a flange at its outer, vertical edge aligned with the first said' flange, the said flanges being provided for the attachment of laths, battens or the like.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the said cut-out has a further integral flange adjacent its lower edge, extending'perpendicu- lar to the first said flange.

3. A device according to claims 1 or 2, wherein each of the said flanges has holes distributed over its surface to receive fastening means.

4. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the lateral extension has at least two fixing spikes positioned sufficiently close together to permit their being driven in together.

5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the main portion of the device has a plurality of through holes distributed over its surface for receiving fastening means.

6. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein a generally triangular notch is provided in the region if its lower edge at the transition between the main portion and the lateral extension.

A device accordingto any preceding claims, wherein the main portion has at least one end notch in its upper edge.

8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the main portion has a notch in its upper edge immediately adjacent and outwardly of the gutter recess.

9. - A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the main portion has a rounded or bevelled corner at the junction between its outer edge and its lower edge.