GB2506832A - Filter for a roof gutter - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a gutter filter system 500 and a corresponding assembly kit for preventing the entry of foreign bodies (i.e. debris, leaves, moss) into a roof gutter 505. Gutter filter system comprises a flexible attachment element 520, which acts as a clip, and a flexible mesh 540. The attachment element comprises a fastening section for clipping onto the front upper edge of a roof gutter, and a retaining section for the mesh to be inserted into. The mesh extends across the gutter and the rear portion may lie on top of the roof tile or under it. When a rear portion of the mesh lies under a roof tile 560, the flexible attachment element and the flexible mesh exert an upward spring force 542 on the underside of the roof tile. When the rear portion of the mesh lies above a roof tile (figure 6), the flexible attachment element and the flexible mesh exert a downward spring force on the top surface of the roof tile. Preferably the mesh comprises a steel mesh of 0.7 1 mm thickness. Different clips may be able to adapt straight front ends of the roof gutter or curved ends (i.e. with circular profile).

Description

Gutter Filter for a Roof

field of the Invention

The invention relates to a Gutter Filter, for the filtration of water that enters a roof gutter.

Background of the Invention

A roof gutter serves to collect rain water that runs off the lower extremity of a roof. Typical profiles of European roof gutters include those with: (1) A half-round C' shaped profile; (ii) Square' qutters, whose profile takes the form of a shallow v' with a flattened base; (iii) Deepflow', which Is similar to the half round profile, but deeper; and (iv) Ogee' which is similar to the US K' style. A K' profile gutter has a vertical edge on the side of the gutter closest to the building, a flat bottom, and a sloping edge on the side of the gutter furthest from the building.

Roof gutters may be used on many buildings. Applications *fl*fl * 25 include domestic buildings, cocrcial buildings and * ** * public buildings. * * * * S * *5

* A known problem with roof gutters is that they may become * blocked. One major cause of blockage is the presence of foreign bodies in the roof gutter and/or the down pipe' that conducts water down to ground level.

Foreign bodies that typically reach roof gutters include: (1) Objects blown onto roots, in particular leaves.

(ii) Moss and other plant material that has grown on roofs. This material may fall off naturally, or be uprooted by birds.

(iii) Objects that become detached from the roof itself, such as portions of roof tiles or mortar dislodged by frost damage; (iv) Objects that are thrown or launched onto roofs, and which then fall back to earth, such as sports balls and fireworks.

Traditional roof gutters thus suffer a build-up of various debris, which may typically lead to: (i) The blockage of downpipeS, and thus the overfilling of the roof gutter.

(ii) Blocking of the gutter itself. This restricts the flow of water along the gutter. This leads to excessive weight in one part of the gutter, and/or causes it to overflow. Where water overflows, there is potential damage to the building on which the roof gutter is mounted. The mounting arm(s) that attach the roof gutter to the building may be damaged by excessive weight.

Figure i. illustrates a cross-sectional view of a known

prior art roof and gutter system 100. * 25

* Roof gutter 110 is generally c-shaped in cross-section.

At its widest point, roof gutter 110 may typically have a * width of loomm-150mffl. channel 112 is the portion of roof gutter 110 along which water flows.

Roof tile 114 lies above roof gutter 110. The curved arrow labeled W' generally indicates the path taken by water flowing off roof tile 114 and into roof gutter 110.

Reference 116 generally indicates the position of a wall of a building onto which roof gutter 110 is mounted.

Reference tie indicates a leaf that has fallen into roof gutter 110. Many other foreign bodies may also enter roof gutter 118, leading to constriction or coat plete blockage of water flow along channel 112.

The most common approach to the above problems is to clean out gutters manually-This is expensive and may be dangerous. It is also difficult to know how often to carry out such cleaning, since the arrival of foreign bodies in gutters can occur at any time.

various other arrangements are known in the prior art for preventing the entry of foreign bodies into roof gutters.

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a tile above a gutter 210.

Figure 2 illustrates the variation in the position of the tile that may arise. Tile 214 is located much further towards the back of the gutter than tile 114 in figure 1.

* 25 The inventor has realized that there are several * significant drawbacks with known prior art gutter filters. Tests have shown that many known gutter filters significantly impede the flow of water along a gutter. A filter that has been tested sat at the deepest point of the gutter, where water flows. * * . *

A further drawback of many prior art arrangements is that they do not accommodate the variations in tile position encountered in the real world, see again figure 2. In particular1 the position of tiles along the edge of the roof, relative to the gutter may vary significantlY from one house to another. There may even be great variation, at different edges of the same roof, or along just one edge of a roof.

Considering how far the tiles protrude out over the gutter, tiles may be: (1) close to the centre of the gutter; or (ii) Right at the back edge of the gutter.

io considering the height of the outer edge of the tiles, tiles may be: (1) positioned well above the top line of the gutter; or (ii) Just below the top edge of the gutter.

On some houses with a long run of gutter, the gutter may need to slope along Its length. This allows water to flow along the gutter's length, under gravity. As such, the outer edge of the tiles at one end of the gutter can be well above the gutter, yet the tiles at the other end of the gutter can be well below its top line.

Other jsadvantages of known gutter filters are that: (i) Some impede water flow by 40-50%, within the gutter; (ii) Some are flammable; * 25 (iii) Some arc difficult to fit.

S..... * .

Statement of Invention

In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention 5*5* * provides a gutter filter system for preventing the entry of foreign bodies into a roof gutter, with the features of appended claim 1.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a kit of parts in accordance with appended claim 14 is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 illustrateS a cross-sectional view of a prior art roof and gutter system.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a gutter with a different tile location to that of figure 1.

Fig. 3 demonstrates the terminology used in the remainder

of the description.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a gutter filter system in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 5 is another cross-sectional view of a gutter filter in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 6 is another cross-sectional view of a gutter filter in accordance with the invention. 0**S*

* 25 Fig. 7 is another cross-Sectional view of a gutter filter * in accordance with the invention. ** . * * .

* Fig. S is a perspective view of a plan view of the flexible attachment element of an embodiment of the **** * * 30 invention. ** . * * * * **

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view, showing an alternative embodiment of the flexible attachment element of the invention.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view, showing an embodiment of the invention applied to a roof gutter with a square' profile.

S

Fig. 11 is a plan view of a portion of the mesh of the invention.

Fig. 12 shows profiled roof tiles.

Fig. 13 shows an example of a construction drawing of a flexible attachment element of th form shown in figure 9.

Fig. 14 shows a top plan view of the attachment element of figure 13.

Fig. 15 shows a similar attachment element to that in figure 13.

Fig. 16 shows a construction drawing of a flexible attachment element of the form shown in figures 4-9.

* Fig. 17 shows an expanded view of the fastening section * 25 of the attachment element of figure 16. *.** * S S. * * S S

* Description of Preferred Embodiments

* Figure 3 is provided to demonstrate the terminology **"* 30 that will be used in the remainder of the application. *55*

The roof gutter is generally iiiustrated as reference 305. Reference 310 indicates the front upper edge of the roof gutter. Reference 330 indicates the rear upper edge of the roof gutter.

Reference 320 indicates the outside front surface of the roof gutter. Reference 312 indicates the inside front surface of the roof gutter.

Reference 340 indicates the lower extremity of a roof tile, mounted on a roof that is not shown in figure 3. Reference 350 indIcates the top surface of the roof tile. Reference 370 indicates the underside of the roof tile. Reference 360 indicates an outer edge of the roof tile. Reference 365 indicates a lower edge of the roof tile.

The arrow indicated Y' describes the directions of upwards and downwards. The arrow indicated x describes both: (U The direction front to back' , from front upper edge 310 to rear upper edge 330 of the roof gutter; and (ii) The direction in which tile 340 protrudes out over gutter 305.

Figure 4 shows a cross sectional view of a gutter filter system 400 for preventing the entry of foreign bodies into a roof gutter, in accordance with the invention.

Gutter filter system 400 comprises a flexible attachment element 420 and a flexible mesh 440.

Attachment element 420 and flexible mesh 440 are separate components. However, in use, mesh 440 is inserted into, * and held by attachment element 420. Figure 440 shows the gutter filter system 400 after installation on a gutter 405. Mesh 440 extends all the way into attachment element * 420. So the portion of mesh 440 nearest to the front of "". 30 the roof gutter extends in between elements 432 and 434, * which are part of attachment element 420.

Figure 4 shows the gutter filter system 400 in just one possible application. In this application, mesh 430 lies under the lower edge 465 of a roof tile 440.

Flexible attachment element 420 is clipped onto the front upper edge of gutter 405. In other applicatiofl5 mesh 440 may lie above the top surface 450 of roof tile 460.

attachment element 420 itself comprises: (i) a fastening section 422, for fastening the attachment element 420 to the front upper edge of the roof gutter 405; and, (ii) A retaining section 430, for retainiflq the mesh 440.

The retaining section 430, as illustrated in figure 4, extends from the front of the gutter partially across the width of the gutter, but does not reach the rear edge of the roof gutter. Typically, the retaining section 430 would extend less than half the width of the roof gutter.

In the embodiment of figure 4, retaining section 430 comprises a generally elongated portion 432, lying under mesh 440. The long axis of the elongated portion 432 extends in a direction from the front of the gutter towards the back of the gutter. Retaining section 430 also comprises a second elongated portion 434, lying above mesh 440. Together1 elongated portions 432 and 434 hold the mesh 440.

Similarly, fastening section 422 coniprises (i) a first sprung flat portion 424, arranged to lie outside the front surface of gutter 404; and * 25 (ii) A second sprung flat portion 426, arranged to lie * S inside the front surface of gutter 405.

*. . When mesh 440 has been inserted into attachment * * . * element 420, mesh 440 extends at least the width of the * gutter 405. The mesh can be described as having a front *". 30 portion', which lies towards the front of the gutter. It S...

is the front portion of the mesh that is inserted into the retaining section 430 of attachment element 440. The rear portion of the mesh 440 abuts the inside surface of gutter 405, in the embodiment of figure 4.

In the application shown in figure 4, with the rear portion of the mesh lying under roof tile 460, the attachment element 420 and the mesh 440 exert an upward spring force. The force and its point of action are illustrated by arrow 442. This force acts on the underside of the roof tile 45Q, specifically on the lower edge 465 of roof tile 440.

Figure 5 shows a subtly different application of the gutter filter system 500. Elements 520, 530, 540 and 505 in figure 5 correspond to the similarly numbered elements in figure 4.

Figure 5 may represent installation of gutter filter 600 on a different roof than in figure 4. However, the tile shown in figure 5 may simply be further along the same roof as shown in figure 4. The heights of root tiles may vary more than is shown between figures 4 and 5, even along a few metres of roof edge.

In figure 5, tile 560 does not protrude so far down into gutter 505 as was the case for tile 460 and gutter 405 in figure 4. Due to the flexible nature of attachment element 520 and mesh 540, these elements push up against the underside of the roof tile 560. The point of contact between the lower edge 565 of roof tile 560 is higher, in figure 5, than the 0orresponding contact point in figure o.e * 25 4.

* Once again, attachment element 520 and mesh 540 S.....

exert an upward force on the lower edge 565 of roof tile 560. The force and its point of action are illustrated by * arrow 542.

*". 30 Figure 5 shows the rear portion of mesh 540 abutting *5S the inside surface of gutter 505. However, the contact point is again higher than in figure 4.

As shown more clearly in figure 10, later, the arch formed by mesh 540 may it fact rise by 20mm or so, above the top line of the gutter 505. The top line of gutter 505 is the line joining the two top edges of gutter 505.

Figure 6 shows an alternative application of the gutter filter 600.

Elements 620, 630, 640 and 605 in figure 6 correspond to the similarly numbered elements in figures 4 and 5.

Mesh 640 lies on the upper surface 650 of roof tile 660. Flexible attachment element 620 and flexible mesh 640 exert a downward spring force on the top surface 650 of the roof tile. The downward force is illustrated by arrow 642. This force helps, for example, to prevent the entry of debris into the roof gutter, by passage below the rear portion of mesh 640. Hence leaves or moss that slide down the upper surface 650 of roof tile 660 will tend to pass onto the upper surface of mesh 640.

Elements 620, 630 and 640, and the corresponding features of figures 4 and 5 are shown in the figures as relatively thick elements. This is to make the drawings easier to understand. The metal of the two parts of the gutter filter system may provide optimal spring force and resilience, when the components are thinner than the versions illustrated. Hence, the gutter filter system of figures 4-6 should not be taken as a set of scale *.fle * 25 drawing& * * considering the arrangements of figure 4-6 together, it is clear that the invention allows the gutter filter system to be installed, in spite of widely differing roof ****.* * geometries. \ key problem with known systems was their *". 30 inability to cope with a variety of gutter and tile ". : geometries. The present invention copes well with * .4 different tile heights. It also copes well with tiles that project significantly over the gutter, and those that reach only just beyond the back of the gutter. The invention'S adaptability allows it to cope with a wide variety of tile projection distances into the gutter, and wide variations in the height of the tile position over the gutter. In all these situations, the gutter filter system is flexible enough to accommodate these variations, but at the same tine rigid enough to hold itself in position.

Figure 7 shows a variant of the application shown in figure 6. In figure 7, tile 760 extends to the middle of gutter 705.

Due to the flexible natue of gutter filter system 720, 740, the mesh 740 can lie above tile 760. The downward force exerted by mesh 740 is shown by arrow 742.

Figure 8 shows a top plan view of attachment element is eoo. Attachment element 800 corespondS to elements 420, 520, 620 of the invention shown in figures 4-6.

Attachment element 800 is shown as a nufacturing blank' , prior to bending of the portions of the fastening section down into the plane of the figure. The chosen view of figure 8 allows an appreciation of the approximate length of the various portions of one embodiment of the attachment element.

The retaining section is shown in the right part of figure 8, generallY to the right of the dotted vertical * 25 line that is towards the upper edge of figure 8.

Generally elongated outer portion 832 corre5Ponds to * element 432 in figure 4. Elongated portion 834 * *.

* corresponds to portion 434 of figure 4, and forms a * **" * central tongue within outer elongated portion 832.

*°". 30 During manufacture, elongated portion 834 may be an formed such that it projects downwards by an angle of up to 15 degrees, into the plane of the diagram. When mesh 440 is inserted into the retaining section 430, 832, 834, elongated portion 834 then has to be pushed up above the level of elongated portion 832, i.e. up above the plane of the diagram. Elongated portion 834 then exerts a downward force on mesh 440, helping to retain it. Thus: (i) Prior to insertion of the mesh 440 into the retaining section, the central tongue 834 lies partially below the elongated outer portion 832; (ii) After insertion of the mesh 440 into the retaining section, the central tongue 834 lies above the mesh 440 and the elongated outer portion 832, and exerts a downward spring force on the mesh.

Elongated portion 834 ma7 also: (i) Be stamped in at last one point, to provide a barb.

The barb would point down, into the plane of the diagram.

The barb would hook into mesh 440 from above, helping to retain it securely.

(ii) Have a further bend added to it during manufacture.

This bend would cause the right extremity of elongated portion 834 to reverse direction, and point upwards, up out of the plane of the diagram. This would allow easier insertion of the mesh, during mounting of the gutter filter system on a roof gutter.

The fastening section is shown in the left part of figure 8, generally to the left of the dotted vertical line.

The two outer portions of the fastening section are both marked 826. When these portions are permanently bent down into the plane of the diagram, they will correspond to the element 426 in figure 4. They then lie inside the front edge of the gutter. The faint dotted line at the *.*.: 30 base of each of portions 826 shows one axis, along which the elements 826 may be folded, down into the plane of the diagram. * *

::". Similarly, when bent during manufacture, portion 824 of retaining section 800 forms element 424 of figure 4.

portion 824 will then lie outside the front edge of the gutter. The faint dQtted line at the base of portion 824 shows one axis, along which element 824 may be folded, down into the plane of the diagram.

S Portion 836 has a barb 836. Barb 836 is angled downwards, into the plane of the diagram. When mesh 440 is inserted below element 834, (barb 836 engages with the upper surface of the mesh, helping to retain it.

Together elements 826 and 824 of figure 8 comprise the fastening section 420, 520 and 620 of figures 4-6.

Considering figure 4-6 and 8 together, the invention can be understood. The flexible attachment element of figures 4-6 and B effectively acts as a spring clip. The fact that the spring clip is flexible and that the mesh has a spring quality to it, means that the design allows for many variations and many different applications.

The flexible attachment element can be pushed into position over the top of the front/outer edge of the gutter. When assembled, the system will allow the mesh to: (i) Spring back to the underside edge of the tile; or (ii) Push down onto the top surface of the tile, if it is positioned above the tile. This works well with a flat tile. If the tile is profiled, such as having a C' shape in cross section, then the mesh would normally be installed underneath the tile.

This flexibility helps to address the variations in tile height and horizontal projection, which had caused * . difficulty for prior art arrangements. This is true both . 30 for variations between different buildings, and around and along the various edges of one roof.

Considering a length of roof gutter, a series of * . attachment elements can be fitted, spaced along the length of the gutter. The attachment elements retain the mesh. The mesh can be provided along the whole length of a gutter, or only part.

Once the design of figures 4-6 and 8 has been understood, the contrast with known systems is clear.

prior art designs of mesh have a more rigid structure, in order to support themselves. That lack of flexibility means that prior art arrangements cannot allow well for variations in the roofs to which they are applied. In some cases, they cannot be installed at all.

There is a further synergy between the flexible spring clip and the barb of elongated portion 834, which grip the mesh strongly. There is ufficient structural strength to support the mesh well, across the whole width of the gutter. This is possible without requiring provision of a mounting point for the flexible attachment mechanism or mesh at the back of the gutter. The lack of a mounting point at the back of the gutter has the advantage that the gutter does not need any form of adaptation, for fitment of the system of the invention.

In addition; there is no time required for an installer to attach the back of the mesh to any mounting point on the back of the gutter.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention may include a stainless steel mesh. The spring quality of such a mesh exceeds that of other meshes previously used, which tended to be of thick rigid plastic, aluminium or steel coated mesh. The mesh, in an illustrative example, may be provided in lengths of a metre or more, and may be 120mm wide. The mesh may be only 0.7mm-l.DIflm thick. * .

. 31) Other key advantages that may be achieved by the present invention relate to: (i) An eves tray' may be installed at the back edge of some gutters. The eves tray protects the edge or the roof felt, and end of the rafters. This is to make sure that no water enters between the edge of the roof and the gutter. With prior art designs of gutter mesh, the eves tray hinders or prevents installation. This is partly because the prior art meshes are not flexible enough, and partly because the back edge of the gutter is obstructed by the eves tray.

With the present invention, the gutter filter system is only fixed to the front edge of the gutter. So any obstruction due to an eves tray at the back edge does not prevent installation. It is also the case that, if there is an obstruction, then the mesh can bend in front of it.

This again facilitates installation.

(ii) The invention provides no intrusion of its structure within the gutter, or at most a minimal amount of intrusion. This is important, because it has been demonstrated in testing that any material at all which is in the gutter restricts the flow of water. Such restriction reduces the chances of a gutter filter passing the relevant Standards' requirements, for example the British standards for the flow rate for a gutter. In most installations of the present invention, there is no intrusion into the gutter. With the preferred mesh size of only 0.7mm-lain thickness, if there is some intrusion into the gutter, then the reduction in flow rate is minimised. Other existing gutter mesh designs are made of a thick plastic, which may be 4 to 5mm thick.

These plastic filters sit within the gutter, i.e. below its top edge. Such prior art gutter filters reduce the flow rate. ** 4

: 30 Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of another :4 embodiment of the flexible attachment element, shown as 900. Attachment element 900 is designed to fit onto a 4e*4 * 4 gutter with a rounded outer edge. *. . * * * * **

The fastening section'922 has a generallY C-shaped portion1 indicated by reference 924. First portion 924 can be pushed down onto the rounded outer edge of a gutter, and clips into place around the rounded edge. The end 926 of fastening section 922 has a short curved section, which can clip over the end of the rounded outer edge of the gutter. Thus the fastening section 920 of figure 9 comprises a first sprung portion 924, of generally circular profiler for clipping around the outside of the front edge of a roof gutter that has an outer top edge of round profile.

The retaining portion of attachment element 900 comprises first elongated portion 932. portion 932 generally corresponds to element 832 in figure 8, but is now seen in profile in figure 9.

Central elongated element 934 projects from left to right in figure 9. central element 934 corresponds to element 834 of figure 8.

Central element 934 is firstly angled upwards, relatiVe to portion 932. Then element 934 is angled downwards, and passes through an aperture in element 932.

Finally, the right extremity 938 of element 934 may be angled upwards and pass up through element 932 again.

This arrangement allows for the insertion of a mesh frcm the right of figure 9, towards the left. After insertion of the mesh, all of central element 934 will lie above *:...: the plane of element 932.

Figure 10 shows a cross sectional view of the invention. In figure 10, the gutter filter system is 30 mounted on a gutter 1005, but there is no tile present.

Mesh 1040 forms an arch. The highest point of mesh 1040 may lie approximaLelY 2Dm above the level of the top edge 1080 of the gutter. This configuration allows the mesh to push up against any tile that protrudes further down into the gutter than this untensed configuration.

The spring force that is exerted by attachment element 1020 and mesh 1040 ensures that debris cannot pass through the point where the mesh contacts the tile.

S Figure 11. is a plan view of an example of a diagonal mesh 1140 of the first portion of the device. The rate at which rain water can pass down through the first portion may depend on both: (i) The ratio of the area of holes to mesh material; and (ii) The absolute hole size.

ImportantlYr the hole size tends to be the main terminiflg factor for limiting the size of foreign body that can pass down through the mesh 1220 of the first portion. The hole size may be of the order of 4-5mm, or is slightly larger.

The arrangements of figures 4-7 are all possible, when the roof tiles are flat. However, some roofs have profiled tiles, as illustrated in figure 12. There are three roof tiles 1260 shown ip cross section in figure 12. The gutter filter system'of the invention would normally be installed with the mesh underneath the lower edges of the profiled tiles, corresponding to the arrangement shown in figures 4 and 5.

FigUre 33 shows a construction drawing of a flexible attachment element of thc form shown in figure 9. No mesh is shown. The attachment element of figure 13 is attached to a gutter, with a rounded end.

Figure 14 shows a top plan view of the attachment element of figure 13. The barb is visible towards the 30 right of the figure.

Figure 15 shows a similar attachment element to that in figure 13. However, the attachment element is attached * to a wider gutter, for example one of 150mm width.

Figure 16 shows a construction drawing of a flexible attachment element of the form shown in figures 4-B. No mesh is shown. The attachment element of figure 16 is not attached to a gutter.

figure 3.7 shows an expanded view of the fastening section of the attachment element of figure.

0nsidering figureS 4-11 and 13-17, it is clear that the present invention overcomes the design challenges that have defeated prior art systems. These include: (i) providing a product which can be installed in spite of widely differing roof geometriesr i.e. a product that is universal.

(ii) Coping with a variety of gutter and tile geometries.

These include the distance of the tile position into the gutter, and the height of the tile position to the gutter.

(iii) Variations in gutter profile. The gutter filter needs to be flexible enough to accommodate these variations, but at the same time be rigid enough to hold itself in position.

(iv) The mesh size needs to restrict leaves and smaller debris (moss, pine needles etc) from entering the gutter, but at the same time allow full water flow through it.

{v) The product needs to be easy and quick to install, remain securely fixed in placer and yet be removable as well. The product needs to be cost effective, yet have good quality and durabilitY.

The present invention addresses points (1) to (v) above. * a

In summary, the advantages of the invention may

*..: 30 include the following: (i) The clip fixes securely to the top front edge of the gutter. The spring/stainless steel feature, and barbs on the clip allow the retaining element to fix strongly enough to allow the mesh to be secured in position without the need for the clip to extend to the back edge of the gutter. Other designs rely on the clip extending to the back edge of the gutter, and resting on it for support.

(ii) The attachment element/clip secures the mesh in position and prevents it from moving downwards into the gutter or upwards away from the gutter.

(iii) The attachment element/ clip is made of spring/stainless steel and therefore allows for a variance in the position of the mesh. In addition the mesh is made of stainless and has spring properties. This means that, when installed, the mesh position is variable to take into account variances of the tile position in relation to the gutter. These can vary along the run of the gutter significantly. The tile position can vary dramatically and it is important to have this feature of f'exibility combined with the spring properties of the clip mesh. it means that the gutter filter of the invention will adapt for universal applicationr but also spring back to a position. This pushes i.t up against the tile or down onto it, depending on the type of installation. This flexibility and spring action also helps to accommodate other obstructions, such as eaves tray.

iv) The design of the attachment element clip and mesh allows for installation of the mesh to be below the tile if the tile is a profile tile or above the tile if the tile is a flat tile. The spring action of the clip and * . mesh means that: 30 a) in the profile tile application. the mesh will be held in positioflr but also allow the mesh to push up to the underside of the tile; and also * ** * * * * * b) for the application where a flat tile is used, the mesh will be held in position and push down onto the top of the tile. *0." *

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Claims (15)

1. Claims 1. A gutter filter system for preventing the entry of foreign bodies into a roof gutter, the gutter filter system comprising: a flexible attachment element and a flexible mesh; the attachment element comprising: (i) a fastening section, for fastening the attachment element to the front upper edge of a roof gutter; and, (ii) a retaining section, for retaining the mesh, the retaining section extending from the front of the gutter partially across the width of the gutter; the mesh extending at least the width of the gutter, when a front portion of the mesh has been inserted into the retaining section; whereby: (I) when a rear portion of the mesh lies under a roof tile, the flexible attachment element and the flexible mesh exert an upward spring force on the underside of the roof tile; and (ii) when the rear portion of the mesh lies above a roof tile, the flexible attachment element and the flexible mesh exert a downward spring force on the top surface of the roof tile.
2. 2. A gutter filter system according to claim 1, wherein: * * the flexing range of the combined flexible attachment * * "I element and the flexible mesh are sufficient, when the front portion of the mesh has been inserted into the retaining section, to allow the rear portion of the mesh to lie in all of the following onentatiOfls (1) below a roof tile that protrude below the tQp line of the gutter; or (ii) below a roof tile whose lower edge does not extend as far down as the top line of the gutter; and (iii) above a roof tile whose outer edge extends as far as the centre-line of the gutter; and (iv) above a roof tile whose outer edge extends only as far as the back of the gutter.
3. 3. A gutter filter system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: when a rear portion of the mesh lies under a roof tile, the flexible attachment element and the flexible mesh exert sufficient upward spring force to retain contact between the upper surface of the mesh and the underside of the roof tile when there is a build-up of debris on the upper surface of the mesh.
4. 4. A gutter filter system according to any previous claim, wherein: *I I.... * *the mesh comprises a stainless steel mesh with a *1 * thickness in the range 0.7 to 1.0mm.I

   *IIIIS * I
5. 5. A gutter filter system according to any previous claim, wherein the retaining section of the attachment * I- * I, element comprises: (i) a generally elongated outer porticn, with the long axis of the outer portion extending from the front of the gutter back across the gutter, when the attachment element has been installed; (ii) a central tongue lying inside the generally elongated outer portion; the central tongue being orientated such that: (i) prior to insertion of the mesh into the retaining section, the central tongue lies below the elongated outer portion; (ii) after insertion of the mesh into the retaining section, the central tongue lies above the mesh and the elongated outer portion, and exerts a downward spring force on the mesh.
6. 6. A gutter filter system according to claim 5, wherein: the elongated outer portion and the central tongue are both of generally rectangular shape.

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7. 7. A gutter filter system according to claim 5 or claim * * 25 6, wherein: ** * * * . * elongated outer portion and/or the central tongue have barbs, which engage with and grip the mesh. * *fl*

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8. 8. A gutter filter system according to any previous claim, wherein: the fastening section has a sprung portion of generally circular profile, for clipping around the outside of the front edge of a roof gutter with an outer top edge of round profile.
9. 9. A gutter filter system according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the fastening section has: (i) a first sprung flat portion, arranged to lie outside the front surface of a gutter after mounting of the attachment element on the front top edge of the gutter; and (ii) a second sprung flat portion, arranged to lie inside the front surface of a gutter after mounting of the attachment element on the front top edge of the gutter.
10. 10. A gutter filter system according to claim 9, wherein; (i) the first sprung flat portion comprises a generally elongated outer portion, with the long axis of the outer portion extending down the outside of the front surface of the gutter, after mounting of the attachment element on the front top edge of the gutter; * (ii) a second sprung flat portion comprises two parallel *aaa * generally elongated inner portions, with the long axis of S.....* 25 the inner portions extending down the inside of the front surface of the gutter, after mounting of the attachment * element on the fronL too edge of the gutter, the inner * portions spaced on either side of the elongated outer * * portion. *5 * * . a
11. 11. A gutter filter system according to any previous claim, wherein: the mesh is sufficiently flexible to curl in front of an eaves tray attached to the rear of the gutter.
12. 12. A gutter filter system according to any previous claim, wherein: When fitted to a gutter but not in contact with a tile, the mesh forms an arch above the top line of the gutter, rising 20mm above the top line of the gutter at the highest point, with the mesh width being 120mm.
13. 13. A gutter filter system according to any previous claim, wherein: Prior to installation in a gutter, the fastening section, and the retaining section lie at an angle in the range 100-l10 degrees to each other.
14. 14. A kit of parts for the assembly of the gutter filter system in accordance with any previous claim.
15. 15. A device for preventing the entry of foreign bodies into a roof gutter as hereinbefore described with * a reference to, and/or as illustrated by, any of figures 4-* * 25 10 ** * * . a * a a * * *fl* * a * a * a a