GB2215753A

GB2215753A - Bracket for joining gutter lengths

Info

Publication number: GB2215753A
Application number: GB8807279A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Heelan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-03-26
Filing date: 1988-03-26
Publication date: 1989-09-27
Also published as: GB8807279D0

Abstract

A gutter assembly comprises a bracket including an arcuate strip 10 having the profile of a gutter provided at each end with at least one inwardly directed projection 11, said projection having steps. A first gutter length having an end resting in and supported by said strip with its upper edges retained adjacent a first step at a low level, and a second gutter length having an end overlapping the end of the first gutter length with the upper edges of the second gutter end retained by the adjacent second step which is at a higher level than that of the first step. <IMAGE>

Description

TITLE: IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO GUTTERS This invention relates to gutters and in particular to a connecting device for connecting together the adjacent ends of two lengths of gutter.

According to the invention a connecting device comprises an arcuate strip having the shape of a gutter provided at each end with at least one inwardly directed projection, said projection having steps which provide overhanging engagement for the adjacent ends of overlapped lengths of gutter.

Two similar projections may be provided at each end in the same longitudinal plane.

The steps of each lip may provide two grooves into which the edges of the gutters can engage.

The invention will be further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings wherein: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a connecting device made in accordance with the invention; FIGURE 2 is a part transverse sectional view of one end of the device; FIGURE 3 shows overlapped gutters; and FIGURE 4 shows the application of the invention to curved gutters.

The device comprises a one piece moulded strip 10 of plastics material of approximately semi-circular shape corresponding to the shape of normal gutters.

Each end of the strip is formed with two integral projections 11 directed inwardly radially lying in the same longitudinal plane and spaced apart by a gap 12.

Each lip is formed on its underside with steps providing two grooves 13, 14, one (14) slightly higher than, and radially inwards of, the other. These grooves receive the overlapped ends 16, 17 of the gutters and the steps provide retaining lips 18, 19 which retain the edges of the gutters in the grooves.

The inside of the strip 10 is provided with a groove between the projections 11 in which a rubber seal 20 is fixed. Another rubber seal 21 may be laid on the underneath gutter and may be attached to it by adhesive. Any other type of seal may be used.

The strip 10 is provided at one end with ears 22, 23, formed with apertures 24 to receive screws or the like for attaching the strip to a wall or gutter box.

As shown in Figure 3 the overlapped gutters 25, 26 will be arranged so that the direction of flow of rainwater is in the direction of the arrow.

Figure 4 shows that the device may also be used to secure curved corner connecting pieces of gutter 28, 29. The angle CX may be 900, 1120, 1200, 13coo 1570 or other selected angles between 900 and 1600. A sealing element may be provided between the pieces 28 and 29.

One piece may slide within the other and may be adjusted to the desired angle. The connecting pieces may then be clipped and fixed by screws to a facia board.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A gutter connecting device comprising an arcuate strip (10) having the profile of a gutter provided at each end with at least one inwardly directed projection (11), said projection having steps which provide overlapping engagement for the adjacent ends (16, 17) of overlapped lengths of gutter.

2. A gutter connecting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein two similar projections are provided at each end of the strip extending radially inwardly of the gutter profile.

3. A gutter connecting device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the steps are formed by grooves (13, 14) at different levels to provide two retaining lips (18, 19).

4. A gutter connecting device as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the inside surface of the strip is provided with a groove having a sealing element therein against which the lower exterior surface of the lower gutter end engages.

5. A gutter connecting device substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

6. A gutter assembly comprising a bracket having an arcuate strip (10) having the profile of a gutter provided at each end with at least one inwardly directed projection (11), said projection having steps, a first gutter length having an end resting in and supported by said strip with its upper edges retained adjacent a first step at a low level, and a second gutter length having an end overlapping the end of the first gutter length with the upper edges of the second gutter end retained by the adjacent second step which is at a higher level than that of the first step.