IE20030033A1 - A connector for connecting to a gutter - Google Patents

Abstract

A gutter bracket (1) for supporting a gutter (2) on the eave (3) of a building (4) comprises a connector (5) having a mounting plate (9) extending therefrom for mounting the connector (5) to the eave of the building. A connecting element (8) of injection moulded plastics material defines a seat (14) for receiving the gutter (2). A retaining member (20) extending inwardly from the connecting element and a retaining lip (22) extending downwardly from the retaining member (20) urge the gutter (2) into the seat (14). A retaining clip (22) releasably engageable with the connecting element (8) urge the gutter (2) downwardly into the seat (14) and retains the gutter (2) in the seat (14). The retaining clip (22) comprises a first side leg (26), a second side leg (27) and a connecting leg (28) of resilient plastics material. A first securing rib (33) on the second side leg (27) engages a corresponding second securing rib (34) in a guide groove (32) of the connecting element (8) for retaining the retaining clip (25) in releasable engagement with the connecting element (8). The guide groove (32) is provided for slideably accommodating and guiding the second side leg (27) as the retaining clip (25) is being secured to the connecting element (8). <Figures 1 & 5>

Description

“A connector for connecting to a gutter The present invention relates to a connector for releasably connecting to a gutter, and in particular, though not limited to a gutter bracket comprising the connector for supporting a gutter on an eave of a building. The invention also relates to a hopper comprising one or two of the connectors. The invention further relates to a gutter connector comprising two of the connectors, and the invention also relates to a gutter comprising the connector, and to a gutter system.

Connectors for releasably connecting one gutter to another gutter, a gutter to a gutter bracket, a gutter to a hopper, a gutter to a gutter connector, and the like are known. In particular, such connectors, gutter brackets, gutter connectors, hoppers and the like for connecting gutters of extruded plastics material are also known. In general, such connectors comprise a seat for receiving the gutter, and a retaining means is provided for urging the gutter into engagement with the seat and for releasably retaining the gutter in engagement with the seat. In the case of connectors and hoppers for connecting two gutters together, the gutter is sealably engaged in the seat, however, in the case of gutter brackets which are provided for supporting a gutter on an eave of a building, it is not necessary that the gutter sealably engages the seat.

British Patent Specification No. 2,164,967 discloses such a connector which defines a seat for receiving a gutter. A pair of releasable retaining clips are provided for engaging corresponding receivers on respective opposite top side edges of the connector. Each retaining clip comprises a top inwardly extending member with a downwardly extending lip for engaging the corresponding top edge of the gutter. A pair of downwardly extending spaced apart legs of each retaining clip engage a pair of spaced apart receiving apertures in the corresponding receiver. Ratchet teeth on the legs of each retaining clip engage corresponding ratchet teeth extending into each receiving aperture in the connector for retaining the retaining clip in engagement with the connector, and for in turn retaining the gutter in engagement with the seat. The connector of this British specification is relatively complex, and ntra . 7.

IE Ο 5 00 5 5 due to the fact that receiving apertures are required in the connector, injection moulding of the connector is difficult. It is also relatively difficult to disengage the retaining clips from the corresponding receiving apertures, for in turn disengaging a gutter from the connector.

British Patent Specification No. 2,217,748 also discloses a connector for connecting a pair of gutters, whereby the connector defines respective seats for receiving the gutters. Releasable retaining clips are engageable with the connector for retaining each gutter in engagement with the seat. Each retaining clip is of inverted U-shaped construction for engaging a top side edge of the connector and a corresponding top edge of the gutter therebetween. An inwardly directed lip on one of the downwardly extending legs of the U-shaped clip engages a corresponding receiving aperture in the adjacent top edge of the connector. The connector of this British specification is relatively complex, and thus relatively expensive to produce, and does not lend itself easily to injection moulding. This is particularly so due to the fact that a receiving aperture is required for each retaining clip. Additionally, it is difficult to disengage the retaining clips from the connector in order to disengage a gutter from the connector.

British Patent Specification No. 2,066,872 also discloses a connector for connecting to a pair of gutters. The connector defines a seat for receiving the gutters.

Retaining members which extend inwardly from one of the top side edges of the connector engage corresponding top edges of the gutters. Retaining clips are releasably engageable in corresponding receiving apertures located adjacent the other top side edge of the connector for releasably retaining the gutters in engagement with the seat. Each retaining clip comprises a downwardly extending leg which extends downwardly through the corresponding receiving aperture adjacent the top side edge of the connector, and an inwardly extending member for engaging the adjacent top edge of the gutter. A pair of ridges are provided on respective opposite sides of the retaining clip. One of the ribs engages a lower edge of a portion of the connector which forms the aperture, while the other rib engages a lower portion of the connector, for securing the retaining clip in engagement with the connector with the gutter secured in the connector. A disadvantage of this connector ¢03003 3 is that it is relatively difficult to disengage the retaining clips from the connector for in turn disengaging the gutters from the connector. Additionally, due to the fact that the connector requires receiving apertures injection moulding of the connector is difficult.

British Patent Specification No. 2,185,502 discloses a connector for connecting a pair of gutters which defines a seat for receiving the gutters. S-shaped retaining clips are engageable in corresponding receiving apertures in respective opposite top side edges of the connector for retaining the gutters in engagement with the seat. The connector of this British specification is relatively complex, and due to the fact that the connector requires receiving apertures injection moulding of the connector tends to be relatively difficult.

British Patent Specification No. 1,603,870 discloses a connector for connecting to a gutter which defines a seat for receiving the gutter. A pair of retaining clips are releasably engageable with respective opposite top side edges of the connector for engaging the gutter for retaining the gutter in engagement with the seat. Both the connector and the retaining clips are relatively complex, and tend to be difficult to manufacture. It is also relatively difficult to disengage the retaining clips from the connectors for disengaging the gutter from the connector.

There is therefore a need for a connector for releasably connecting to a gutter which overcomes the problems of known connectors. There is also a need for a gutter bracket, a gutter connector, a hopper and indeed, there is a need for a gutter which comprises a connector for connecting the gutter to another gutter which overcomes these problems.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a connector, a gutter bracket, a connector bracket, a hopper and a gutter comprising such a connector.

According to the invention there is provided a connector for releasably connecting to a gutter, the connector comprising a channel shaped connecting element defining a central longitudinal axis and forming a seat extending between opposite first and ΙΕΟ J00 j j second top side edges of the connecting element, the seat defining the outer transverse cross-section of the gutter for receiving the gutter therein with the longitudinal axis of the gutter extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the connecting element, a retaining means for retaining the gutter in engagement with the seat, the retaining means comprising a releasable retaining clip releasably engageable with the connecting element adjacent the first top side edges thereof and for engaging the adjacent top edge of the gutter for urging the gutter into engagement with the seat, and a securing means for releasably securing the retaining clip in engagement with the connecting element with the retaining clip retaining the gutter in engagement with the seat, wherein the connecting element comprises a guide groove located on an outer side thereof extending downwardly from the first top side edge of the connecting element for receiving and guiding the retaining clip, the retaining clip is formed by a U-shaped member comprising a first side leg for engaging an inner surface of the gutter adjacent one top edge thereof, a second side leg for slideably engaging the guide groove in the connecting element and co-operating with the first side leg for urging the gutter into engagement with the seat, and a connecting leg joining the first and second side legs and co-operating with the adjacent top edge of the gutter for urging the gutter downwardly into engagement with the seat, and the securing means comprises a first securing rib extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis from an inner surface of the second side leg of the retaining clip for releasably engaging a corresponding second securing rib extending in the guide groove parallel to the central longitudinal axis for releasably securing the retaining clip in engagement with the connecting element and the gutter.

In one embodiment of the invention a receiving recess is provided in the inner surface of the second side leg of the retaining clip for receiving the second securing rib. Preferably, the receiving recess is located in the second side leg between the connecting leg and the first securing rib adjacent the first securing rib.

Advantageously, the first and second ribs engage each other with a snap action. Preferably, the connecting leg of the retaining clip is resilient for resiliently urging the IE 0 3 0 0 J 3 first and second side legs of the retaining clip towards each other. Ideally, the first and second side legs of the retaining clip are resilient and are resiliently urged towards each other.

In one embodiment of the invention an abutment member extends downwardly from the connecting leg of the retaining clip for abutting the adjacent top edge of the gutter for urging the gutter downwardly into the seat. Preferably, the abutment member extending from the connecting leg extends also from the first side leg of the retaining clip. Advantageously, the abutment member defines with the second side leg of the retaining clip a gap for receiving the first top side edge of the connecting element.

Preferably, the inner surface of the second side leg terminates in a chamfered portion adjacent its distal end for forming a lead-in for facilitating engagement of the first and second securing ribs as the retaining clip is being urged downwardly with its second leg sliding in the guide groove. Advantageously, the second side leg terminates in a lip adjacent its distal end for facilitating urging of the second side leg by the lip away from the connecting element for disengaging the first and second securing ribs from each other. Ideally, the chamfered lead-in is formed on the lip.

In one embodiment of the invention the retaining means comprises a retaining member extending inwardly from the second top side edge of the connecting element for engaging the adjacent top edge of the gutter for urging the gutter downwardly into the seat and retaining the gutter in engagement with the seat. Preferably, a downwardly extending retaining lip extends downwardly from the retaining member spaced apart from the connecting element for engaging an inner surface of the gutter adjacent the adjacent top edge thereof for urging the gutter into engagement with the seat.

In one embodiment of the invention a seal accommodating groove extends in the seat of the connecting element transversely of the central longitudinal axis thereof between the first and second top side edges for accommodating a seal for sealing ΙΕ ο 3 e 8 J J the gutter in the connecting element. Preferably, a seal is located in the seal accommodating groove for sealing the gutter in the seat of the connecting element.

In one embodiment of the invention a support element is located in a lower portion of the seat for supporting the gutter as it extends from the seat.

In another embodiment of the invention a plurality of spaced apart spacer elements are provided in the connecting element for defining the seat. Preferably, each spacer element comprises a spacer rib extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the connecting element, the spacer ribs being spaced apart transversely relative to the central longitudinal axis.

Additionally the invention provides a gutter bracket comprising a connector according to the invention, and a mounting means for mounting the connector to an eave or other structure for supporting a gutter thereon.

Further, the invention provides a gutter connector comprising a channel, the channel extending between a pair of connectors according to the invention for receiving and connecting a pair of gutters of a gutter run together.

In one embodiment of the invention a mounting means is provided for mounting the gutter connector to an eave or other structure for supporting the gutters thereon.

The invention also provides a hopper for draining water from a gutter, the hopper comprising a channel, and an outlet from the channel for draining water from the gutter through the channel, the channel terminating at one end in a connector according to the invention for connecting a gutter to the hopper.

In one embodiment of the invention the hopper terminates in its respective opposite ends in respective connectors according to the invention for connecting a pair of gutters to the hopper.

IE0 300J J The invention further provides a gutter terminating in a connector according to the invention for connecting the gutter to another gutter.

The invention additionally provides a gutter system comprising at least two gutters, and a connector according to the invention extending from one of the gutters for releasably connecting the other of the gutters to the gutter comprising the connector.

Further the invention provides a gutter system comprising at least one gutter and at least one gutter bracket according to the invention for supporting the gutter on an eave or other structure.

The invention additionally provides a gutter system comprising at least one gutter and a hopper according to the invention connected to the at least one gutter.

The invention also provides a gutter system comprising at least two gutters and a gutter connector according to the invention connecting the gutters.

The advantages of the invention are many. In particular, the connector according to the invention is a relatively simple connector, is easy to manufacture, and easy to use. By virtue of the fact that no receiving apertures are required in either the connecting element or the retaining clip, manufacture of the connector is relatively simple and straightforward, and thus relatively inexpensive. The connecting element and the retaining clip both readily lend themselves to injection moulding processes.

A further advantage of the invention is that the retaining clip can readily easily be disengaged from the connecting element for quick and easy release of the gutter from the connector.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof, which are given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a gutter bracket according to the ¢0 300 3 3 invention for supporting a gutter on an eave of a building, Fig. 2 is another perspective view of the gutter bracket of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the gutter bracket of Fig. 1, in use, Fig. 4 is an end elevational view of the gutter bracket of Fig. 1, in use, Fig. 5 is a transverse cross-sectional end elevational view of the gutter bracket of Fig. 1, in use, Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a detail of the gutter bracket of Fig. 1, Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the gutter bracket of Fig. 1, Fig. 8 is another perspective view of the portion of Fig. 7 of the gutter bracket of Fig. 1, Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a hopper also according to the invention, Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the hopper of Fig. 6, in use, Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a gutter connector also according to the invention, and Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a gutter also according to the invention.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 to 8, there is illustrated a gutter bracket according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1, for supporting a gutter 2 of plastics material on an eave 3 of a building 4. The gutter IEOSoojj bracket 1 comprises a connector 5 of injection moulded plastics material which comprises a connecting element 8 and a mounting means comprising a mounting plate 9 for mounting the connector 5 to the eave 3. Three screw accommodating holes 10 are provided in the mounting plate 9 for accommodating screws through the mounting plate 9 into a fascia board 12 of the eave 3. The connecting element 8 is of generally channel shape and defines a seat 14 for receiving the gutter 2. The seat 14 extends from a first top side edge 15 to a second top side edge 16 and defines a central longitudinal axis 17 which in use extends parallel to a longitudinally extending axis of the gutter 2.

A retaining means comprising a retaining member 20 extending inwardly from the second top side edge 16 of the connecting element 8 engages a top longitudinally extending top edge 21 of the gutter 2 for urging the gutter 2 downwardly into engagement with the seat 14, and retaining the gutter 2 in engagement with the seat 14. A retaining lip 22 extends downwardly from the retaining member 20 spaced apart from the second top side edge 16 of the connecting element 8 for retaining the gutter 2 in engagement with the seat 14.

The retaining means also comprises a releasable retaining clip 25 also of injection moulded plastics material which is releasably engageable with the connecting element 8 and the gutter 2 for urging the gutter 2 downwardly into engagement with the seat 14, and for retaining the gutter 2 in engagement with the seat 14. The retaining clip 25 comprises a first side leg 26 and a second side leg 27 joined to the first side leg 26 by a connecting leg 28. The first side leg 26 engages an inner surface of the other longitudinally extending top edge 30 of the gutter 2 for urging the gutter 2 sidewardly into engagement with the seat 14. The second side leg 27 is slideable in a downwardly extending guide grooves 32 which extend downwardly on the outer surface of the connecting element 8 from the first top side edge 15.

A securing means for releasably securing the retaining clip 25 to the connecting element 8 with the gutter 2 retained in engagement with the seat 14, comprises a first securing rib 33 extending on the inner surface of the second side leg 27 parallel ΙΕ ο 3 Ο Ο 3 3 to the central longitudinal axis 17 for releasably engaging a corresponding second securing rib 34 extending in the guide groove 32 parallel to the central longitudinal axis 17. The retaining clip 25 is of resilient plastics material and the first and second side legs 26 and 27 are resiliently urged towards each other. The spacing between the first and second side legs 26 and 27 is such that when the gutter 2 and the first top side edge 15 of the connecting element 8 are engaged between the first and second side legs 26 and 27, the first securing rib 33 engages the second securing rib 34 with a snap action, as the second side leg 27 is being slid downwardly in the guide groove 32. The spacing between the first securing rib 33 and the connecting leg 28, and the spacing between the second securing rib 34 and the first top side edge 15 of the connecting element 8 is such that when the retaining clip 25 is retained in engagement with the connecting element 8 by the engagement of the first and second securing ribs 33 and 34, the connecting leg 28 engages the top edge 30 of the gutter 2 and urges the gutter 2 downwardly into engagement with the seat 14, and retains the gutter 2 in engagement with the seat 14. Additionally, the first side leg 26 co-operates with the second side leg 27 for urging the gutter 2 sidewardly into engagement with the seat 14. The guide groove 32 guides the second side leg 27 of the retaining clip 25 so that the first securing rib 33 engages the second securing rib 34, and the guide groove 32 also prevents lateral movement of the retaining clip 25, thereby retaining the first and second securing ribs 33 and 34 in engagement with each other.

An abutment member 36, see Figs. 5 and 8, extends downwardly from the connecting leg 28 and from the first side leg 26 of the retaining clip 25, and the connecting leg 28 engages the top edge 30 of the gutter 2 through the abutment member 36. Additionally, the abutment member 36 defines with the second leg 27 a gap 37 for accommodating the first top side edge 15 of the connecting element 8.

In this embodiment of the invention a receiving means provided by a receiving recess 39 formed in the inner surface of the second side leg 27 accommodates the second securing rib 34. The second receiving recess 39 is located between the connecting leg 28 and the first securing rib 33 adjacent the first securing rib 33.

IE 0 3 00 3 3 The second side leg 27 terminates in a lip 40 which defines a chamfered lead-in 41 for accommodating the second side leg 27 and the first securing rib 33 over the second securing rib 34, when the second side leg 27 is being slid downwardly in the guide groove 32. The lip 40 which extends downwardly beyond the first securing rib 33 also defines with the guide grooves 32 a space 42 for receiving a flat screwdriver head, so that by twisting the flat screwdriver head in the space 42 the second leg 27 can be resiliently prised outwardly of the guide groove 32 for facilitating disengagement of the first and second securing ribs 33 and 34 for in turn disengaging the retaining clip 25 from the connecting element 8.

A plurality of spaced apart spacer elements, in this embodiment of the invention formed by spacer ribs 44 extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis 17, on an inner surface 45 of the connecting element 8 define the seat 14.

In use, the gutter bracket 1 is secured to the fascia board 12 of the eave 3 of a building 4 by screws (not shown) through the holes 10. The gutter 2 is then placed in the connecting element 8 with the top edge 21 located beneath the retaining member 20 and between the retaining lip 22 and the second top side edge 16 of the connecting element 8. The top edge 30 of the gutter 2 is then urged downwardly by hand to substantially coincide with the first top side edge 15 of the connecting element 8. The second side leg 27 of the retaining clip 25 is then engaged in the guide groove 32, with the first top side edge 15 of the connecting element 8 and a portion of the gutter 2 adjacent the top edge 30 located between the first and second side legs 26 and 27. The retaining clip 25 is urged downwardly so that the second leg 27 slides downwardly in the guide groove 32. The retaining clip 25 is urged downwardly with the second side leg 27 sliding in the guide groove 32 until the first securing rib 33 snaps over the second securing rib 34. At this stage the retaining clip 25 is secured in engagement with the connecting element 8 by the interengagement action of the first and second securing ribs 33 and 34, with the gutter 2 urged downwardly and retained in engagement with the seat 14.

IE 030033 In order to remove the gutter 2 from the gutter bracket 1 the retaining clip 25 is disengaged from the connecting element 8 by inserting a flat head of a screwdriver in the space 42 between the lip 40 and the guide groove 32, and rotating the screwdriver head for prising the second side leg 27 away from the guide groove 32 for disengaging the first securing rib 33 from the second securing rib 34. On disengagement of the respective first and second securing ribs 33 and 34, the retaining clip 25 is then urged upwardly through the guide groove 32, and disengaged from the connecting element 8 and the gutter 2. The gutter 2 can then be removed readily easily from the gutter bracket 1.

Referring now to Figs. 9 and 10, there is illustrated a hopper, indicated generally by the reference numeral 50, also according to the invention for connecting a pair of gutters 2 of plastics material together, and for draining rainwater from the gutters 2. Such hoppers 50 are commonly referred to as running outlets. The hopper 50 is of injection moulded plastics material, and comprises a channel 51, and a rainwater outlet 52 extending downwardly from the channel 51. The channel 51 terminates at its opposite ends 53 and 54 respective connectors 55, which are substantially similar to the connector 5 of the gutter bracket 1, and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. Mounting plates substantially similar to the mounting plate 9 are provided for securing the hopper 50 to an eave of a building.

The main difference between the respective connectors 55 of the hopper 50 and the connector 5 is that in this embodiment of the invention each connector 55 comprises a seal accommodating groove 56 for accommodating a seal 57 for sealing the corresponding gutter 2 in the connector 55. The seal accommodating groove 56 extends transversely of the central longitudinal axis 17 between the first top side edge 15 and the second top side edge 16. The seal 57 is sealably located in the seal accommodating groove 56 for sealably engaging the corresponding gutter 2. Such seal accommodating grooves 56 and seals 57 in connectors for connecting gutters of plastics material will be well known to those skilled in the art, and it is not intended to describe the seal 57 or the seal accommodating groove 56 in further detail.

IE 0 3 0 0 3 3 A pair of support elements provided by support ribs 59 arranged in cruciform fashion are located in the lower portion of the seat 14 of each connecting element 8 adjacent the free end thereof for supporting the corresponding gutter 2 as it extends from the connecting element 8. The provision of the support ribs 59 prevents the corresponding gutter 2 pivoting on the seal 57, which would otherwise cause the free end of the corresponding gutter 2 in the hopper 50 to cant upwardly.

Inwardly extending lugs 60 extend from the seat 14 of the connectors 55 for abutting the ends of the gutters 2. Reinforcing plates 61 extend rearwardly and downwardly from the channel 51, and from the connectors 55 for reinforcing the hopper 50, and also for providing abutment edges 62 for abutting the eave to which the hopper 50 is mounted.

In use, the hopper 50 is secured to an eave by screws through the mounting plates 9 as already described with reference to the gutter bracket 1, and the gutters 2 are secured in the respective connectors 55 in similar fashion as the gutter 2 is secured in the connector 5 of the gutter bracket 1. However, in this embodiment of the invention the retaining member 20 and the retaining lip 22 as well as the retaining clip 25 urge the corresponding gutter 2 into sealable engagement with the seal 57 for sealing the gutter 2 in the connector 55 and in turn in the hopper 50.

Referring now to Fig. 11, there is illustrated a gutter connector 70 according to another embodiment of the invention of injection moulded plastics material. The gutter connector 70 is substantially similar to the hopper 50 with the exception that the outlet 52 has been omitted, and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. Accordingly, the gutter connector 70 is suitable for sealably connecting a pair of gutters 2 together and for mounting the gutters on the eave of a house. The gutter connector 70 comprises a channel 71 similar to the channel 51 of the hopper 50, although shorter. The channel 71 terminates in its respective opposite ends in connectors 72 which are similar to the connectors 55 of the hopper 50. Mounting plates 9 extending from the respective connectors 72 are provided for IE Ο 3 0 0 3 3 accommodating screws for securing the gutter connector 70 to the eave of a house.

Otherwise, the gutter connector 70 and its use is similar to the hopper 50.

Referring now to Fig. 12, there is illustrated a gutter according to another embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 80 of plastics material. In this embodiment of the invention one end of the gutter 80 terminates in a connector 81 also of plastics material, which is similar to the connector 55 of the hopper 50, and similar components are identified by the same io reference numerals. The connector 81 is for connecting an adjacent gutter to the gutter 80. The adjacent gutter may be similar to the gutter 80 or the gutter 2.

While the hopper has been described as comprising a channel terminating in its respective opposite ends in connectors according to the invention, it is envisaged that the channel of the hopper may terminate at one of its ends only in a connector according to the invention. The other end would terminate in an end cap, thus permitting the hopper to act as both a hopper and an end stop for a gutter run. It is also envisaged that the gutter connector may be formed as an end stop, in which case, one end of the channel would terminate in an end cap so that the gutter connector would act as an end stop.

It will be appreciated that in cases where the gutters are each provided with one of their ends terminating in a connector according to the invention, gutter connectors will not be required, since one gutter will be releasably connectable directly to its adjacent gutter by the connector according to the invention on the end of one of the gutters.

Claims (33)

Claims

1. A connector for releasably connecting to a gutter, the connector comprising a channel shaped connecting element defining a central longitudinal axis and forming a seat extending between opposite first and second top side edges of the connecting element, the seat defining the outer transverse cross-section of the gutter for receiving the gutter therein with the longitudinal axis of the gutter extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the connecting element, a retaining means for retaining the gutter in engagement with the seat, the retaining means comprising a releasable retaining clip releasably engageable with the connecting element adjacent the first top side edges thereof and for engaging the adjacent top edge of the gutter for urging the gutter into engagement with the seat, and a securing means for releasably securing the retaining clip in engagement with the connecting element with the retaining clip retaining the gutter in engagement with the seat, wherein the connecting element comprises a guide groove located on an outer side thereof extending downwardly from the first top side edge of the connecting element for receiving and guiding the retaining clip, the retaining clip is formed by a U-shaped member comprising a first side leg for engaging an inner surface of the gutter adjacent one top edge thereof, a second side leg for siideably engaging the guide groove in the connecting element and co-operating with the first side leg for urging the gutter into engagement with the seat, and a connecting leg joining the first and second side legs and co-operating with the adjacent top edge of the gutter for urging the gutter downwardly into engagement with the seat, and the securing means comprises a first securing rib extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis from an inner surface of the second side leg of the retaining clip for releasably engaging a corresponding second securing rib extending in the guide groove parallel to the central longitudinal axis for releasably securing the retaining clip in engagement with the connecting element and the gutter.

2. A connector as claimed in Claim 1 in which a receiving recess is provided in the inner surface of the second side leg of the retaining clip for receiving the second securing rib.

3. A connector as claimed in Claim 2 in which the receiving recess is located in the second side leg between the connecting leg and the first securing rib adjacent the first securing rib.

4. A connector as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first and second ribs engage each other with a snap action.

5. A connector as claimed in any preceding claim in which the connecting leg of the retaining clip is resilient for resiliently urging the first and second side legs of the retaining clip towards each other.

6. A connector as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first and second side legs of the retaining clip are resilient and are resiliently urged towards each other.

7. A connector as claimed in any preceding claim in which an abutment member extends downwardly from the connecting leg of the retaining clip for abutting the adjacent top edge of the gutter for urging the gutter downwardly into the seat.

8. A connector as claimed in Claim 7 in which the abutment member extending from the connecting leg extends also from the first side leg of the retaining clip.

9. A connector as claimed in Claim 7 or 8 in which the abutment member defines with the second side leg of the retaining clip a gap for receiving the first top side edge of the connecting element.

10. A connector as claimed in any preceding claim in which the inner surface of the second side leg terminates in a chamfered portion adjacent its distal end for forming a lead-in for facilitating engagement of the first and second securing ribs as the retaining clip is being urged downwardly with its second leg sliding in the guide groove. ΙΕΟ 3 003 3

11. A connector as claimed in any preceding claim in which the second side leg terminates in a lip adjacent its distal end for facilitating urging of the second side leg by the lip away from the connecting element for disengaging the first and second securing ribs from each other.

12. A connector as claimed in Claim 11 in which the chamfered lead-in is formed on the lip.

13. A connector as claimed in any preceding claim in which the retaining means 10 comprises a retaining member extending inwardly from the second top side edge of the connecting element for engaging the adjacent top edge of the gutter for urging the gutter downwardly into the seat and retaining the gutter in engagement with the seat.

14. 15 14. A connector as claimed in Claim 13 in which a downwardly extending retaining lip extends downwardly from the retaining member spaced apart from the connecting element for engaging an inner surface of the gutter adjacent the adjacent top edge thereof for urging the gutter into engagement with the seat. 20 15. A connector as claimed in any preceding claim in which a seal accommodating groove extends in the seat of the connecting element transversely of the central longitudinal axis thereof between the first and second top side edges for accommodating a seal for sealing the gutter in the connecting element. 25

15. 16. A connector as claimed in Claim 15 in which a seal is located in the seal accommodating groove for sealing the gutter in the seat of the connecting element.

16. 17. A connector as claimed in Claim 15 or 16 in which a support element is located in a lower portion of the seat for supporting the gutter as it extends from the 30 seat.

17. 18. A connector as claimed in any preceding claim in which a plurality of spaced IE0 3 00 3 5 apart spacer elements are provided in the connecting element for defining the seat.

18. 19. A connector as claimed in Claim 18 in which each spacer element comprises a spacer rib extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the connecting element, the spacer ribs being spaced apart transversely relative to the central longitudinal axis.

19. 20. A connector for connecting to a gutter, the connector being substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

20. 21. A gutter bracket comprising a connector as claimed in any preceding claim, and a mounting means for mounting the connector to an eave or other structure for supporting a gutter thereon.

21. 22. A gutter bracket substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

22. 23. A gutter connector comprising a channel, the channel extending between a pair of connectors as claimed in any of Claims 11 to 20 for receiving and connecting a pair of gutters of a gutter run together.

23. 24. A gutter connector as claimed in Claim 23 in which a mounting means is provided for mounting the gutter connector to an eave or other structure for supporting the gutters thereon.

24. 25. A gutter connector substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

25. 26. A hopper for draining water from a gutter, the hopper comprising a channel, and an outlet from the channel for draining water from the gutter through the channel, the channel terminating at one end in a connector as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 20 for connecting a gutter to the hopper. 030033

26. 27. A hopper as claimed in Claim 26 in which the hopper terminates in its respective opposite ends in respective connectors as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 20 for connecting a pair of gutters to the hopper.

27. 28. A hopper substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

28. 29. A gutter terminating in a connector as claimed in any preceding claim for 10 connecting the gutter to another gutter.

29. 30. A gutter system comprising at least two gutters, and a connector as claimed in any preceding claim extending from one of the gutters for releasably connecting the other of the gutters to the gutter comprising the connector.

30. 31. A gutter system comprising at least one gutter and at least one gutter bracket as claimed in Claim 21 or 22 for supporting the gutter on an eave or other structure.

31. 32. A gutter system comprising at least one gutter and a hopper as claimed in 20 any of Claims 26 to 28 connected to the at least one gutter.

32.

33. A gutter system comprising at least two gutters and a gutter connector as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 25 connecting the gutters.