WO1999022094A1

WO1999022094A1 - Gutter

Info

Publication number: WO1999022094A1
Application number: PCT/NL1998/000627
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerrit Jan De Wilde
Original assignee: Jarola Design Gmbh
Priority date: 1997-10-29
Filing date: 1998-10-29
Publication date: 1999-05-06
Also published as: ES2251786T3; EP1027509A1; AU1177599A; EP1027509B1; EP1027510B1; DE69833024T2; ES2251785T3; DE69833024D1; WO1999022093A1; AU1177699A; DE69833025D1; DE69833025T2; EP1027510A1

Abstract

A gutter (12), for instance roof gutter, is known which comprises: a bearing structure (16) adapted for fixing to a building structure, such as a house, stable or other building; a gutter structure supported by this bearing structure (16) and comprising an elongate, substantially prismatic trough (3, 4, 5) open at the top for collecting and transporting liquid such as rainwater or manure to a drainage zone, for instance a rainpipe, wherein the trough (3, 4, 5) has a substantially prismatic form and has on both its upper edges (10, 11) substantially stiff coupling means which form part of this prismatic form or are separate (13, 14) and with which the trough (3, 4, 5) is coupled to the bearing structure (16) so as to be supported thereby along substantially its whole length.

Description

GUTTER

Gutters are known in many embodiments . Among others is known a gutter, for instance roof gutter, comprising: a bearing structure adapted for fixing to a building structure, such as a house, stable or other building,- a gutter structure supported by this bearing structure and 'comprising an elongate, substantially prismatic trough open at the top for collecting and transporting liquid such as rainwater or manure to a drainage zone, for instance a rainpipe. In a known bearing structure the elongate trough is manufactured from metal. This metal may be for instance copper or galvanized iron.

It is an object of the invention to embody a gutter such that it lends itself to very simple manufacture, which can have a cost-saving effect, and to a simple assembly, particularly the coupling to be effected between the trough and the bearing structure .

It is a further object of the invention to embody a gutter such that it can be constructed by means of very simple means from flexible and/or thin materials, while an effective rigidity of form is nevertheless ensured, whereby there is no danger of water accumulating locally in recessed parts.

In respect of these objectives the invention pro- vides a gutter of the stated type which has the special feature that the trough has a substantially prismatic form and has on both its upper edges substantially stiff coupling means which form part of this prismatic form or are separate and with which the trough is coupled to the bearing structure so as to be supported thereby along substantially its whole length.

The coupling means can for instance comprise a widened edge optionally strengthened by a reinforcement, which edge is coupled to the bearing structure either directly or via a prismatic supporting rail with an undercut recess, for instance bv snao couϋlinqs. A specific embodiment has the special feature that the coupling means comprise a widened part, which widened part co-acts with an undercut recess present in the bearing structure . A specific variant has the special feature that the coupling means and the bearing structure are mutually connected by snap couplings. The snap coupling has the advantage of an easy assembly combined with the option of temporary removal of a trough, for instance for mainte- nance or cleaning, and re-placing thereof.

Yet another embodiment has the special feature that the coupling means comprise barb means. This embodiment likewise has the advantage of an easy assembly but cannot be taken apart easily, except by making use of provisions intended for that purpose.

Yet another embodiment has the special feature that the coupling means comprise hooking means.

It is a further object of the invention to embody a gutter such that relatively long trough parts can be transported easily from the factory and/or the supplier to respectively the supplier and the installation site. Long troughs entail the drawback that special transporting means are necessary, the cost of which bears no relation to the advantage of the integral trough struc- ture. In this respect smaller trough parts are often transported to the building site and mutual coupling and watertight connection between the respective trough parts together forming the trough are carried out on site during installation. The mutual coupling, fitting or watertight connection increases the danger of leakage. In the case of plastic this danger is increased as a result of the relatively strong thermal expansion. In the case of copper trough parts, the trough parts are placed overlapping each other slightly and the overlap zones are mutually connected by for instance soldering. In the case of galvanized iron the trough parts are usually connected in watertight manner to each other by foil provided with a bituminous layer. After placing of the relevant foil over the connecting zones the bituminous layer is heated to a high temperature such that the bituminous mass melts and attaches fully to the relevant surfaces and thus seals the seams in question in completely watertight manner .

It will be apparent that the described techniques of the prior art not only entail additional operations but that the watertightness of said transition zones between the trough parts can possibly not be guaranteed unconditionally. The quality of the watertightness and the lifespan of the relevant joins does after all depend wholly on the precision and correctness with which the said operations are performed. It is further not possible, particularly in the case of bituminous layers, to prevent these being degraded by great temperature fluctuations (in the summer the temperature can rise for in- stance to 50-60°C, while in the winter the temperature can fall for instance to -20°C) after a number of temperature cycles such that leakages can no longer be precluded. The described sealing means are in addition not capable in all conditions of adequately accommodating the thermal stresses during contraction and expansion. This may also be the cause of a less satisfactory watertightness .

In respect of the above the roof gutter according to the invention has the special feature that said trough consists substantially of at least one part of flexible plastic, which part is supplied in rolled-up state, is unrolled and, after fixing of the bearing structure to the building structure, is coupled thereto.

It will be apparent that the whole trough or at least parts of considerable length can be transported very easily to the final destination in rolled-up state without special transport being required for this purpose. A roll can for instance very easily accommodate a trough with a length of for instance 20 or 30 metres. This could not be realized with the known gutter structures .

It will be apparent that, in order to enable rolling up a trough, it must be possible to press the trough in question at least somewhat flat, whereafter the rolling- up operation can take place. In this respect a specific embodiment has the special feature that the trough consists of a number of plate parts extending in length direction which are separated by parallel linear fold zones of reduced thick- ness. The linear fold zones can be deemed as hinge zones. During assembly of the gutter said plate parts are folded round the fold zones and the thus obtained trough structure is coupled to the bearing structure.

A very practical embodiment is that in which the longitudinal edges of the trough are widened and coupled to the bearing structure. In addition to easy coupling to the bearing structure, the widened longitudinal edges of the trough also ensure a good bending stiffness in the non-supported zones of the trough between the supporting zones of the bearing structure placed at mutual lengthwise distances, whereby sag is practically precluded.

A preferred embodiment has the special feature that a substantially prismatic, inward directed flap extending over the whole length of the trough is present on at least one of the longitudinal edges of the trough, which flap is pressed substantially flat against the trough in the rolled-up state of this trough. Such a flap ensures that no inconvenience can be caused by splashing water in the case of for instance heavy rainfall. Such splashing water could for instance wetten a bottom layer of the roof structure, while such a layer is not adapted therefor.

A specific embodiment has the special feature that the trough is monolithic. The term "monolithic" must be understood to mean that the trough in question consists of one piece, for instance is embodied as a number of components inseparably embodied with each other or is formed integrally.

A specific aspect of the trough according to the invention lies in the fact that the trough consists of separate plate elements mutually coupled along longitudinal zones. It will be apparent that the relevant elements have to be coupled to each other in watertight manner. In the context of the described ability to roll up the trough structure, said plate elements not only have to be > M H o σ O σ σι

Yet another aspect of the invention is that a water- permeable structure is arranged on the bearing structure on the roof side and is adapted to avoid the passage of birds to below the roof, and comprises for instance a row of standing pins or a grid.

A specific embodiment has the special feature that the trough consists substantially of foil material which is connected by clamping means to the bearing structure. It will be apparent that foil material can adapt itself very easily to the shape of a supporting basis . The advantage hereof is that fitting can take place comparatively simply and that a greater flexibility of form is obtained. A minor disadvantage may lie in the fact that special means are required to connect the foil material to the bearing structure. In addition, the bearing structure itself must already be embodied as a more or less integral, trough-like construction. A thin foil in particular would otherwise involve the risk of causing danger of sag and possible damage in the non-supported zones.

A specific embodiment has the feature that close to at least one of its longitudinal edges the trough is provided with a number of prismatic, substantially identical thickened zones which are adapted for co-action with the bearing structure in order to be supported thereby, wherein non-utilized zones are separated beforehand from the trough. ith this embodiment troughs of different dimensions can be realized with only one type of trough material. Removal of the non-utilized zones can take place in simple manner with for instance a knife.

A very advantageous embodiment is that wherein the or each part of the trough is manufactured by extrusion.

The plastic from which the trough is manufactured can be of any suitable type, provided the basic prerequi- site of the invention is satisfied, that the basic material for the trough has a sufficiently great flexibility for rolling up a basic trough in an at least somewhat flattened form for transport . The gutter can for instance have the special feature that the plastic is chosen from the group of which rubber, synthetic rubber, LDPE, HDPE, PP, PE, PVC form part. A combination is also possible, wherein for instance a number of layers are inseparably connected to each other by means of co-extrusion.

A further aspect of the invention is that the bear- ing structure comprises a number of support brackets arranged at mutual longitudinal distances.

A particular embodiment has the feature that the support brackets are adapted to support the longitudinal edges of the or each of said parts of the trough. A specific variant hereof has the special feature that each support bracket is adjustable in transverse direction of the trough. The position of the gutter relative to the wall can hereby be chosen in transverse direction of the gutter and adjusted as required. The latter two aspects of the invention can be combined in a variant. According to this variant the trough has the special feature that the support brackets are adapted to support said longitudinal edges at adjustable mutual distance. Another embodiment has the special feature that the angle of inclination of each support bracket is adjustable. A gutter can hereby be placed for instance such that particular obstacles are avoided.

Yet another embodiment has the special feature that each support bracket comprises a supporting brace or supporting ribs . An increased strength of the bearing structure is hereby realized with simple means.

The invention will now be elucidated with reference to the annexed figures. Herein: figure 1 shows a perspective view of a roll of prismatic profiled plastic material for manufacturing a trough forming part of a roof gutter part; figure 2 shows a perspective view of a roof gutter manufactured using the material according to figure 1; figure 3 shows a detail of a variant of a bearing element as according to figure 2; figure 4 is a partly perspective view of an alternative trough; figure 5 shows the trough of figure 4 in perspective view supported by an alternative bearing structure; figure 6 shows a view corresponding with figure 5 of a variant in which the bearing structure is pivotable; figure 7 is a partly broken away perspective view of an alternative trough; figure 8 shows the detail VIII of figure 7; figure 9 is a partly broken away perspective view of yet another embodiment of a gutter according to the invention; figure 10 is a partly broken away perspective view of a variant which shows the manner in which a substantially flat material strip unrolled from a roll is modelled into a trough structure; figure 11 is a partly perspective view of yet another embodiment; figure 12 shows a view corresponding with figure 11 of an embodiment in which a different bearing structure is applied; figure 13 shows a partly perspective view of a variant with yet another bearing structure; figure 14 is a schematic view of the method of manufacturing a trough structure on the basis of the memory action of the applied plastic- figure 15 is a partly broken away perspective view of yet another embodiment; figure 16 is a partly broken away perspective view of an embodiment substantially corresponding with figure 15 but also having a condensation flap; figure 17 is a partly broken away perspective view of a variant with a simple cleaning provision; figure 18 is a partly perspective view of the coupling between two troughs; figure 19 is a partly broken away perspective view of the structure of figure 18 with a cover; figure 19A is a perspective view of a detail of a particular embodiment with a connection for a rainpipe; figures 20, 21 and 22 show perspective partial views of coupling pieces between diverse components of a roof gutter according to the invention; figure 23 shows a view corresponding with figure 15 of an embodiment with a bearing structure with adjustable angular position,- figure 24 shows a view corresponding with figure 16 of an embodiment with leaf and bird barrier,- figure 25 shows a separate, individual bird barrier without condensation flap,- figure 26 shows a partly perspective view of a bird barrier for use in combination with the foil material as according to figure 27; figure 27 shows yet another embodiment in which the trough is formed from foil material; figure 28 shows a cross-section through an alternative to the embodiment of figure 27; figure 29 is a partly broken away perspective view of the support bracket as according to figures 27 and 28; figures 30, 31 and 32 show views corresponding with figure 28 of variants; figure 33 shows a cross-section through a specific embodiment,- figure 34 is a partly broken away perspective view of a variant of the embodiment as according to figure 33; figure 35 shows the detail XXXV of figure 34 in exploded view,- figure 36 is a partly perspective view of the structure of figure 35 at a preliminary stage in which a trough is brought to size for coupling to the bearing structure; figure 37 is a partly broken away perspective view of a gutter with a gauze mesh for collecting leaves,- figure 38 is a partly broken away perspective view on enlarged scale of the detail XXXVIII of figure 37; figure 39 is a partly broken away perspective view of a further embodiment; figure 40 is a perspective view of a variant; figure 41 shows the variant of figure 40 in another position,- figure 42 is an exploded view of a further variant; figures 43A, 43B and 43C show side views of a subse- quent embodiment in three different positions; figures 44A and 44B show a subsequent embodiment in two different positions,- figure 45 shows a subsequent embodiment with three degrees of freedom of movement; figure 46A is an exploded view of the coupling between two troughs,- figure 46B shows the assembled coupling of figure 46A; figure 47 shows a coupling between two troughs in partly broken away perspective view; figure 48 shows a variant of the coupling between two troughs in partly broken away perspective view; figure 49A shows yet another coupling between two troughs,- figure 49B shows the section IL-IL as according to figure 49A; figure 50A shows a view corresponding with 49A of a final embodiment; and figure 50B shows the section L-L as according to figure 50A.

Figure 1 shows a roll 1 of rolled-up material 2 for forming of a generally trough-like structure which will be discussed below. Material 2 is formed by extrusion and thus has a prismatic form. A "prismatic" structure is understood to mean one which has the same cross-section at any position.

Material 2 has a central plate part 3 and two side plate parts 4, 5 which are mutually separated by fold zones 6, 7 of relatively small thickness. Fold zones 6, 7 can thus function as hinge zones, whereby plate parts 4 and 5 can pivot relative to central plate part 3.

Connecting onto the free ends of plate parts 4 and 5 are respective inward directed flaps 8, 9, the function of which will become clear later. The longitudinal edges of the strip material 2 have widened portions 10, 11 which serve for coupling to a bearing structure of the material formed into a trough.

Figure 2 shows the manner in which the strip material 2 can be formed into a trough forming part of a roof gutter 12. Roof gutter 12 comprises a bearing structure consisting of a number of bearing elements 16 which are fixed to a building structure, for instance by means of screws . After unrolling from roll 1, the strip material 2 according to figure 1 is formed into a generally troughlike structure by folding over plate parts 4 and 5 relative to central plate part 3. In this embodiment support profiles 13, 14 are snap-coupled to widened portions 10, 11 respectively. These support profiles 13, 14 are adapted for clamping co-action with respectively a clamping jaw 15, which forms part of bearing element 16, and with a support hook 17.

Widened portions 10, 11 are slidable with some clearance relative to support profiles 13, 14 in order to accommodate thermal expansion.

Figure 3 shows a variant of a bearing element designated with 18. This bearing element is embodied hingedly whereby the angular position of the roof gutter can be adjusted as desired.

Figure 4 shows an alternative trough 19 which is formed from a material strip which is technically related to strip material 2 but profiled in a different way. Inserted elongate strengthening elements 20, 21 serve for co-action with bearing elements 22 (see figure 5) . Gutter 19 can consist of different materials, wherein hinge zones 112, 113 consist of a rubbery material.

Figure 6 shows that the bearing construction shown in figure 5 can alternatively be embodied hingedly. As in figure 5, gutter 19 can be adjusted and fixed at a chosen distance from the wall 108.

Figure 7 shows an alternative trough construction. In this embodiment trough 23 comprises a central plate part 24 and two side plate parts 25, 26 which are mutual- ly connected by hinges 27, 28.

Figure 8 shows that hinges 27, 28 are embodied with watertight sealing strips 29. This ensures that trough 23 is wholly watertight.

Figure 9 shows a variant in which a trough 30 con- sists of two plate parts 30, 31, of which the longitudi- nal edges 33, 34 and the transition zone 35 are provided with respective strengthening rods 36 which are only inserted during placing of the gutter. Bearing elements 37 engage clampingly on said end edges and transition zone .

To enable easy insertion of strengthening rods 36 the contact surface between these rods and the enclosing receiving tube must be as small as possible. In this respect said inner surface of the receiving tube or the outer surface of the rod preferably has a number of ribs preferably extending in lengthwise direction. Easy sliding is hereby ensured and jamming caused for instance by dirt accumulation and the like is prevented.

Figure 10 shows the manner in which an alternative trough 38, which is likewise provided with rods 36, can be formed from substantially a strip of flat material 39. In this embodiment bearing elements are embodied as support brackets 40.

Figure 11 shows a gutter 41 in which a trough 42 has a lower fold zone 43 and strengthened longitudinal edges

44, 45. Bearing elements 46 take a hinged form and engage clampingly on said longitudinal edges 44, 45. The trough material is removed locally at that position. This is indicated in the drawing with openings 47, 48. Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the bearing element, which is indicated in this embodiment with 49.

Figure 13 shows yet another embodiment of bearing elements 50. These engage from the inside onto longitudi- nal edges 44, 45 by means of hooks.

Figure 14 shows schematically that strip-like material unrolled from a roll 51 is heated, in this embodiment by a hot air device 51. As a result a temporary softening of the material in question takes place, where- by the material returns to its original shape on the basis of its shape memory, which shape corresponds by and large with the desired final shape of the trough for manufacture. The material retains this shape after cooling. Figure 15 shows that trough 52 (see also figure 14) has end edges with prismatic barb structures. These can be snap-inserted in the shown manner into hollow bearing profiles 53 which form part of a bearing structure with adjustable bearing elements 54 and which in this embodiment are hollow. A locking element 55 fixes the bearing structure.

Figure 16 shows a variant in which a condensation flap 56 is arranged on the side of roof 156. This extends on one side between the upper layer 57 and bearing layer 58 of the roof, is connected to bearing profile 53 by means of a barb structure 59 and extends further to a position above trough 52. Profile 53 carries a decorative strip 111 which serves as embellishment and can have for instance the same colour as the paintwork of the building. Trough 52 is provided on its underside with two hook-shaped ribs 120, 121 which extend in lengthwise direction and which together hold a decorative strip 123. It is noted that flaps 8 and 9 are directed downward, whereby water falling onto flaps 8, 9 will fall into trough 52.

Figure 17 shows that a trough 60 can be provided locally with a hatch 61 which can be displaced between closed and open position. This hatch thus provides the option of cleaning the gutter trough in simple manner. In the closed situation two closing loops 62 of the hatch co-act with protrusions 63 formed on the trough.

Figure 18 shows the connection between two troughs 52. Use is made of a flexible corrugated connecting piece 64 which in the shown manner is connected clampingly, and therefore sealingly, to both troughs 52 by screw connections. In the case of thermal dilatation or contraction of the troughs, the connecting piece 64 can accommodate the associated changes in length. Figure 19 shows that connecting piece 64 can be covered on the outside by a plastic plate 65 with a shape adapted to the shape of troughs 52.

Figure 19A shows the manner in which a drainpipe 66 can be connected to a trough 52. This manner of connec- tion corresponds with the structure shown in figure 19. Element 67 has a form which corresponds with a trough 52. Rainpipe 66 is integrated therein or connected thereto in other manner.

Figure 20 shows a sealing connecting element 68 between mutually connected troughs 69. Two steel barb elements 109, 110 provide the necessary clamping force. Element 68 is of rubber or rubber-like material and therefore elastic.

Figure 21 shows the connection between a trough 69 and connecting piece 64. Use is made for this purpose of a connecting element 70. This element co-acts clampingly with the components 69 and 64. At variance with connecting element 68, connecting element 70 does not comprise any elastically deformable sealing lips 73. Figure 22 shows by way of example an alternative wherein trough 69 is connected to an expandable and contractible connecting piece 64 by means of a sealing clamping jaw 71 which forms part of connecting piece 64 and for sealing purposes is provided with a rubber insert 72 with sealing lips 73.

Figure 23 shows a gutter 74 in which the bearing elements 75 have an adjustable angular position.

Figure 24 shows a gutter 176 which corresponds partially with the embodiment of figure 16. In this embodiment the condensation flap 56 is provided with a row of upright teeth or pins 76. Birds are hereby prevented from gaining access to the space between upper layer 57 and bearing layer 58 of the roof construction. Leaves are also prevented to some extent from washing into gutter 176.

Figure 25 shows that pins 76 can also be provided with their own barb mounting structure 59 without the condensation flap 65 being applied.

Figure 26 shows an alternative embodiment of the bird barrier 81 as alternative to the embodiment of figure 25. This bird barrier 81 can serve as clamping element 80 in the embodiment according to figure 27.

Figure 27 shows a support bracket 77 as component of a bearing structure. To this bracket 77 are coupled bearing profiles 78 which support a trough 79 consisting of foil material. By means of clamping elements 80 the foil material 79 is compressed into and thus clampingly connected to profiles 78.

Figure 28 shows an alternative wherein a trough 82 with integrally formed snap elements 83 is coupled to profiles 78.

Figure 29 shows bracket 77 in perspective view. It has a strengthening brace 84.

Figure 30 shows a variant in which support bracket 85 has a continuously variable angular position.

Otherwise than in figure 30, a variant as according to figure 31 is adjustable not continuously but in four steps. Support brace 86 carries hinged bracket 87. This has four holes 88 which can each be registered as desired with a hole 89 in brace 86. Bracket 87 can be fixed in any desired position by means of a pin. Bracket 87' is shown with broken lines in one of the four possible positions.

Figure 32 shows the structure of figure 31 but in a situation where bracket 87 is mounted in reversed position.

Figure 33 shows a sloping roof construction 90 which bears on its bottom edge an upward inclining plate 91. A filler piece 92 has a horizontal upper surface 93. A generally trough-like structure is thus realized into which is placed a trough 94 according to the teaching of the invention. Two profiles 95, 96 ensure a correct positioning of trough 94. A hook-shaped mounting strip is connected to profile 96. A condensation flap 98 is con- nected to profile 95.

Figure 34 shows a structure related to the structure according to figure 33. As figure 35 shows in more detail, a trough 99 of foil material comprises a widened longitudinal edge 100 with a prismatic widened portion 101. This is clamped in a mounting profile consisting of two parts 102, 103 in which the widened portion 101 can be accommodated for fixing of trough 99.

Figure 36 shows the manner in which trough 99 is manufactured on the basis of a strip of foil material with a number of longitudinal widened portions 101, 104, 105. The strip of foil material 106 is provided with these three mutually parallel longitudinal widened portions in order to create the option that the same foil material 106 can be used to manufacture troughs of dif- ferent sizes. As soon as a desired size has been determined, the outer zone is cut off by means of a knife 107. A great technical flexibility is hereby obtained.

Figure 37 shows a gutter trough 131 which carries a gauze mesh 132 for collecting leaves and dirt. The gauze mesh consists for instance of plastic wires mutually connected at intersections. Gauze mesh 132 is held in position under slight tension by means of clamps 135 arranged on edges 133, 134.

Figure 38 shows the structure of the mounting ele- ments 135. It is noted herein that this is only one embodiment. As figure 38 shows, clamps 135 engage with a hook-like upper edge 136 round the upper edge 133 of trough 131. A rib 137 engages under edge 133, while a downward extending plate 138 is provided with a screw 139 extending through a threaded hole in plate 138. When screw 139 is rotated it can push off against the upright edge 140 of trough 131 and, by means of rib 137 together with upper plate 136, provides a firm coupling of core 135 to trough 131. On the top side clamp 136 bears a pin 141 which serves to engage gauze mesh 132, as shown in figure 38. Once the coupling shown in figure 38 has been effected, pin 141, which is provided with a thickened portion 142, can be covered by a cap 143 with widened bottom flange edge 144 and an internal cavity 145 which has an undercut form for snapping co-action with pin 141, 142.

Figure 39 finally shows a gutter trough 150 which is provided on its upper zone with respective coupling edges 152, 153 with a general arrow shape. Due to this arrow shape coupling profiles 153 can be pushed with the hooking coupling ribs 154 respectively 155 over the associated inclining surfaces, whereafter they are brought into stable position in recesses 157, 158 formed by arrow shape 152 and the wall 156 of trough 151. A suspension bracket 158 can be coupled in the manner shown in figure 39 to the coupling element 153 or be formed integrally or unitarily therewith.

A bearing structure can be adapted to support two or more gutters in adjacent and mutually parallel relation. Figure 40 shows a bearing structure 201 comprising a bracket 203 for mounting on a wall 202 (see figure 41) and a carrier 204 supported in this bracket at adjustable position. The chosen position of carrier 204 can be fixed by means of a slotted hole 205 through which is inserted a bolt 206.

Figure 42 likewise shows an adjustable bearing structure. This is designated with the reference numeral 207. A block is mounted on wall 202 by means of screws. A sleeve 209 is slidable over block 208 and fixable in chosen position relative to slotted holes 210 by non- drawn means. Together with eyes 213, 214 and 215, the eyes 211, 212 can form hinges in co-action with hinge pins 216, 217, optionally via a spacer 218 with eyes 219, 220 and 221 as applicable. Figure 43 shows the structure of figure 42 in different positions. The use of spacer 218 is dispensed with in figure 43A, while in figure 43B spacer 218 is situated at the bottom and in figure 43C at the top. The drawn angular positions are thereby realized. With reference to figure 42 attention is drawn to the fact that spacer 218 consists of two parts 222 respectively 223 which are telescopically slidable relative to each other. These parts are fixable relative to each other by means of a self-tapping screw 224. A calibration 225 indicates the angular position of carrier 226.

Figures 44A and 44B show a bearing structure wherein a block 230 and a carrier 231 can be mutually coupled by means of either a hinge pin 331 co-acting with respective eyes 232, 233 or by means of pins 234, 235 with opposing threaded parts. As figure 44A shows, an angular adjustment can be realized by means of a threaded pin 235, while by simultaneously rotating pins 234, 235 a longitudinal adjustment can be realized. The adjustments in question are indicated with the respective arrows 236, 237. •^ μ- in d ii φ

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the inside with curved strip 282. A snap-fastener 286 ensures easy assembly.

In respect of the coupling of the troughs by means of a bellows structure as shown for instance in figures 18, 19, 19A and 47, 49 and 50, attention is drawn to the fact that the clamping structure shown therein has a very favourable effect on mechanical stability and watertightness.

*****

Claims

1. Gutter, for instance roof gutter, comprising: a bearing structure adapted for fixing to a building structure, such as a house, stable or other building; a gutter structure supported by this bearing struc- ture and comprising an elongate, substantially prismatic trough open at the top for collecting and transporting liquid such as rainwater or manure to a drainage zone, for instance a rainpipe, wherein the trough has a substantially prismatic form and has on both its upper edges substantially stiff coupling means which form part of this prismatic form or are separate and with which the trough is coupled to the bearing structure so as to be supported thereby along substantially its whole length.

2. Gutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling means comprise a widened part, which widened part co-acts with an undercut recess present in the bearing structure.

3. Gutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cou- pling means and the bearing structure are mutually connected by snap couplings .

4. Gutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling means comprise barb means.

5. Gutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cou- pling means comprise hooking means.

6. Gutter as claimed in claim l, wherein the trough consists substantially of at least one part of flexible plastic, which part is supplied in rolled-up state, is unrolled and, after fixing of the bearing structure to the building structure, is coupled thereto.

7. Gutter as claimed in claim l, wherein the trough consists of a number of plate parts extending in lengthwise direction which are separated by parallel linear fold zones of reduced thickness .

8. Gutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the longitudinal edges of the trough are widened and coupled to the tearing structure.

9. Gutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein a substan- tially prismatic, inward directed flap extending over the whole length of the trough is present on at least one of the longitudinal edges of the trough, which flap is pressed substantially flat against the trough in rolled- up state of this trough.

10. Gutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trough is monolithic.

11. Gutter as claimed in claim l, wherein the trough consists of separate plate elements mutually coupled along longitudinal zones .

12. Gutter as claimed in claim 11, wherein said plate elements are mutually coupled by snap connections.

13. Gutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trough consists of a number of parts which extend in lengthwise direction and which are mutually separated by parallel zones which are each provided with an elongate strengthening element embedded in the trough.

14. Gutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trough is unrolled from a rolled-up state and is caused to cure in the desired shape, for instance with a heat treatment.

15. Gutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the longitudinal edges of the trough are suspended from the bearing structure by means of prismatic barb structures .

16. Gutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trough consists of at least two parts which are mutually coupled in watertight manner with longitudinal freedom of movement by means of coupling means .

17. Gutter as claimed in claim 16, wherein the coupling means comprise a generally flexible bellows structure which has a form with a corrugated longitudinal profiling which is adapted to the form of the trough parts and is therefore expandable and contractible .

18. Gutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein a flap is fixed to the bearing structure on the roof side, which flap extends in lengthwise direction and which extends from below the upper roof layer, consisting for instance of roof tiles, beyond the inner longitudinal edge of the trough to a position above this trough.

19. Gutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein a water- permeable structure is arranged on the bearing structure on the roof side and is adapted to avoid the passage of birds to below the roof, and comprises for instance a row of standing pins or a grid.

20. Gutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trough consists substantially of foil material which is connect- ed by clamping means to the bearing structure.

21. Gutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein close to at least one of its longitudinal edges the trough is provided with a number of prismatic, substantially identical thickened zones which are adapted for co-action with the bearing structure in order to be supported thereby, wherein non-utilized zones are separated beforehand from the trough.

22. Gutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the or each part of the trough is manufactured by extrusion.

23. Gutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plastic is of flexible type and is chosen from the group of which rubber, synthetic rubber, LDPE, HDPE, PP, PE, PVC form part .

24. Gutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bear- ing structure comprises a number of support brackets arranged at mutual longitudinal distances .

25. Gutter as claimed in claim 24, wherein the support brackets are adapted to support the longitudinal edges of the or each of said parts of the trough.

26. Gutter as claimed in claim 25, wherein each support bracket is adjustable in transverse direction of the trough.

27. Gutter as claimed in claims 25 and 26, wherein the support brackets are adapted to support said longitu- dinal edges at adjustable mutual distances.

28. Gutter as claimed in claim 24, wherein the angle of inclination of each support bracket is adjustable.

29. Gutter as claimed in claim 24, wherein each support bracket comprises a support brace or support ribs.

30. Substantially prismatic trough open at the top adapted and evidently intended for use as component of a gutter as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, which trough has a substantially prismatic form and has on both its upper edges coupling means which form part of this prismatic form and with which the trough can be coupled to a bearing structure so as to be supported thereby.