WO2015115912A1

WO2015115912A1 - A gutter cleaning system

Info

Publication number: WO2015115912A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2015/000006
Authority: WO
Inventors: Trevor Edwin WHEELER
Original assignee: Wheeler Trevor Edwin
Priority date: 2014-01-29
Filing date: 2015-01-29
Publication date: 2015-08-06

Abstract

The present invention relates to a gutter cleaning system (1) for installation in a gutter. The system includes a fluid conduit (2) that is positioned in the gutter (4) adjacent an upper edge (8) of the gutter. A plurality of nozzles (3) are attached to the conduit and, in use, are directed into the channel of the gutter. In use one end of the conduit is attached to a source of liquid. The conduit is retained in place by a clip having a retaining portion (5) configured to receive and retain the conduit (2), and an engaging portion (7) configured to releasably engage with an edge (8) of the gutter.

Description

A GUTTER CLEANING SYSTEM

STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS

This application is based on the Provisional specification filed in relation to New Zealand Patent Provisional Application Number 613714, dated 29 January 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to improvements in gutter cleaning systems. In particular it relates to a gutter cleaning system for use with external guttering having an accessible external edge, although this should not be seen as limiting. BACKGROUND ART

As anyone charged with maintenance of a property knows, gutters require regular cleaning to clear away accumulated leaves, silt, airborne debris, plant growth in the gutter, and so on. Even on a single story building this can be a major hassle. One method is for a user to get up a ladder so that they can see into the guttering and to use a hose (generally with a high pressure nozzle) to dislodge the material in the gutter and to flush it away down a downpipe. One problem with this is that it is time and labour intensive. The ladder has to be moved every metre or so which requires the user to dismount the ladder, move it to the new position and remount to continue cleaning. This is time consuming and generally inconvenient. There is also a safety issue with the continual movement up and down the ladder, and leaning to the side to extend the cleaning path, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

Another problem with this method is that it rapidly becomes less useful as the number of storeys in the structure increases. Even at two stories a ladder is likely to be inadequate, or certainly dangerous to use. In such cases it can be necessary to build a scaffold, which is significantly more expensive than a ladder, takes much more time to erect and dismantle, and may be thought of as overkill simply for cleaning the guttering on a regular basis.

Another method is to get access onto the roof, going to the edge of the roof where the gutter is and clean it out, either by hand (using a trowel or other form of tool) or by washing it out with a hose. One significant problem with this method is that it is dangerous, because the likelihood of falling from the roof is high and the resulting injury is likely to be severe, if not fatal. Another solution is to place a mesh over the top of the guttering, by fixing the mesh to the roof and the outside of the gutter. While this method may keep larger material from entering the gutter, significant amounts of silt and smaller material does get through the mesh and does accumulate in the gutter, which if unattended can lead to blockage/overflow and so on. Further, the mesh inhibits the use of a hose to clear the build up of material.

Another problem with this is the difficulty of attaching the mesh in the first place. Once again this must be done up a tall ladder, or by accessing the edge of the roof top - in either case both dangerous and time consuming.

US Patent No 6926210 discloses another type of gutter cleaning system which comprises a length of conduit (hose) for transporting a fluid that is positioned in a length of guttering. The conduit typically includes a plurality of nozzles in fluid communication with the conduit. When the length of conduit is charged with a pressurized fluid the fluid is expelled through the nozzles and flushes away any detritus or debris that has accumulated in the guttering. This system may avoid some of the disadvantages of the other methods in that, once installed, the guttering can be flushed simply by turning on a tap (connected to the conduit). This may be done manually or by using a timing device to turn the tap on and off.

One disadvantage of gutter cleaning systems of the aforementioned type is that they can be difficult and time consuming to install.

Preferably the nozzles need to be oriented such that fluid discharged therefrom impinges upon the bottom of the gutter and preferably directs the flow of fluid in the guttering in a common direction. The nozzles are also typically spaced away from the bottom of the guttering.

Traditional means of installing the conduit involve first installing a plurality of brackets, or cross members, at regular intervals along the length of guttering. Alternatively the edge of the roof that overlaps the guttering may be used to support the conduit. In either case the process of adapting the edge of the roof by fitting clips or drilling mounting holes, or by fitting brackets/ cross members, is a time consuming process. Furthermore, the installation must be performed at the guttering level which requires either scaffolding or a ladder to be used. The conduit is then attached to the adapted roof edge or brackets/cross members by way of clips or ties.

This system, though an improvement in many ways on the other methods discussed above when in use, still has the problem of installation of the system into the guttering which must be done with the guttering in situ. This requires access to the roof edge, or use of a tall ladder, both of which are dangerous and time consuming. It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a gutter cleaning system for installing in a gutter. The system includes a fluid conduit that is positioned in the gutter adjacent an upper edge of the gutter. The conduit includes a plurality of nozzles that are, in use, directed into the channel of the guttering. The conduit is retained in place by a clip that quickly and easily attaches to the outer edge of the gutter and attaches to and holds the length of conduit as well. The combination of the clip with the gutter cleaning system greatly reduces the difficulty in installing such systems, as the clip can be easily fitted by hand. Furthermore, as the clip attaches to the outer edge of the guttering, the cleaning system of the present invention can be installed in the gutter prior to installing the guttering system, thus saving time and significantly improving the ease of installation.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a clip for use with a gutter, the clip including: · a retaining portion configured to receive a length of conduit; and

• an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with an edge of the gutter.

Preferably the gutter is an external gutter. While it is envisaged that the present invention may be configured to apply to internal guttering, it is particularly suited to use with external guttering.

In preferred embodiments the retaining portion is a substantially "IT- shaped channel. In preferred embodiments the engaging portion is formed at a first edge of the "IT- shaped channel. In preferred embodiments the engaging portion is configured to engage with a rolled edge of the guttering.

In some other embodiments the engaging portion is configured to engage with the edge of the guttering by hooking the engaging portion over the edge of the guttering. In preferred embodiments the engaging portion is hooked shaped in cross section.

Preferably the hook shape corresponds to an inner shape of a rolled edge of the guttering.

In some preferred embodiments the "IT- shaped channel may constrict in width between an open side and a closed side, thereby forming a "C"- shaped region.

In preferred embodiments the C - shaped region is configured to substantially conform to the external cross-sectional shape of the conduit to be retained therein.

In preferred embodiments the opening of the "U"- shaped channel flares outwardly from the region having a constricted width.

Preferably the clip is manufactured from a resilient material.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a gutter cleaning system, including:

• a fluid conduit;

• at least one nozzle configured to connect in fluid communication with the fluid conduit;

• an attachment for connecting the fluid conduit to a source of fluid; and

• at least one clip, the clip including: o a retaining portion configured to receive and retain a length of conduit; and o an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with an edge of the gutter, wherein the clip is configured to retain the fluid conduit in position adjacent an edge of the guttering.

In preferred embodiments the clip is of a type in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

In preferred embodiment the, or each, clip is attached to an edge of the gutter by way of engaging the engaging portion of the clip with an edge of the gutter.

In preferred embodiments the engaging portion is engaged with a rolled edge of the gutter. In preferred embodiments the fluid conduit is a pipe or hose, in preferred embodiments the, or each, nozzle is a jet.

Preferably the attachment is configured for attaching to a standard connection to the source of fluid. According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing a gutter cleaning system in a gutter, the gutter cleaning system having a fluid conduit; a nozzle in fluid communication with the fluid conduit; an attachment for connecting the fluid conduit to a source of fluid, and at least one clip having a retaining portion configured to retain the fluid conduit; and an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with an edge of the gutter, the method including the steps of: positioning a length of fluid conduit including the nozzle in the gutter; engaging the engaging portion of the clip with an edge of the gutter inserting the fluid conduit into the retaining portion; orienting the fluid conduit so as to direct the nozzle into the gutter; wherein the clip retains the fluid conduit in position adjacent the edge of the guttering.

In preferred embodiments the clip is of the type defined in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

In preferred embodiments the system is of the type defined in the second aspect of the present invention. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of use of a gutter cleaning system, the gutter cleaning system having a fluid conduit; a nozzle in fluid communication with the fluid conduit; an attachment for connecting the fluid conduit to a source of fluid, and at least one clip having a retaining portion configured to retain the fluid conduit and an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with an edge of the gutter, the method including the steps of: connecting the attachment to an end of the conduit; connecting the attachment to a source of fluid; and allowing fluid to flow through the conduit and out of the nozzle into the gutter. In preferred embodiments the clip is of the type defined in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

In preferred embodiments the system is of the type defined in the second aspect of the present invention.

In preferred embodiment the nozzle is configured to free debris or detritus from the guttering and to direct the flow of fluid in the guttering in a common direction.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages over the prior art, non limiting examples of which may include:

• faster installation of a gutter cleaning system;

• safer installation of a gutter cleaning system; · tool free installation of a gutter cleaning system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a gutter cleaning system in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a clip for use with the system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a gutter, and

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the gutter of Figure 3 with the clip of Figure 2

installed.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to Figure 1 there is shown a gutter cleaning system as generally indicated by designator 1. The gutter cleaning system 1 includes a fluid conduit in the form of a 13 mm PVC hose 2. However, it will be appreciated that the conduit may take a number of forms and may be formed from any number of materials. For example a conduit may be a hose or flexible pipe, or may be rigid conduit. The hose 2 may be formed from vinyl or rubber.

Hose 2 includes a plurality of nozzles 3 in fluid communication with the fluid conduit. The nozzles and connecting tubing are as found in common garden drip irrigation systems. When pressurised fluid (not shown) flows through the pipe 2 the nozzles 3 spray the pressurised fluid into the channel of the gutter 4 (of which only a short section is shown) and thereby flush any debris or detritus from the channel of the gutter 4 into a downpipe (not shown).

Gutter cleaning system 1 has a clip 5 that includes a retaining portion 6 (shown in figure 2) which is configured to receive and retain the hose 2; and an engaging portion 7 configured to releasably attach to an outer edge 8 of the gutter 4.

With reference to Figure 2 there is shown a clip 5 for use with the gutter 4 (shown in Figure 1). Clip 5 has a substantially "U"-shaped retaining portion 6 (shown in figure 2) in cross section. The retaining portion 6 includes a constriction 12 in width between an open side 13 and a closed side 9, thereby defining a "C"- shaped region 10. It will be appreciated that the "C"- shaped region 10 will typically be configured to conform to the shape of the hose 2 (shown in figure 1). The open side 13 of clip 5 flares outwardly 11 from the constriction 12.

In use, a hose 2 (shown in figure 1) is clipped into the "C"- shaped region 10 by way of the flared open side 13. The "C"- shaped region 10 holds the hose 2 firmly and prevents free movement of the hose 2 relative to the clip 5. It will be appreciated that the clip, or part thereof, will be constructed from a resilient material so as to allow the hose 2 to be pushed through the constriction. However in some embodiments a rigid clip may be used, whereby the pliancy of the hose 2 allows it to be forced through the constriction.

The clip 5 also includes engaging portion 7 located at a first edge 14 of the retaining portion. Engaging portion 7 has a hook shaped profile that is configured to be located under a rolled edge 15 of the gutter 4 (shown in Figure 3). It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the hook shape may be varied so as to conform to differing profiles of the rolled edges of a gutter.

The gutter 4 has an outer edge 8 which is rolled over to provide a smooth external surface.

This type of gutter outer edge is commonly found in plastic and metal gutters, although there may be considerable variation in the shape of the edge. For example, some outer edges may be folded to represent three sides of a rectangle. In most cases, the outer edge includes at least a portion that folds back into the interior of the gutter. In each case the engaging portion 7 of the clip may be configured to engage with the interior of the folded or rolled edge 8. When fully engaged under and within the rolled edge, the clip 5 is held firmly in place against the edge 8.

In some embodiments the clip may be configured to be fitted over the edge of the guttering. This embodiment may be used with guttering that does not include a suitable profile to engage the engagement portion of the clip under the edge as describe above. In these embodiments the engagement portion still has a hooked profile, but the hooked portion is directed away from the retaining portion 6 so that the clip 5 has a generally "S"-shape. The hooked profile in these embodiments is configured to fit snugly around the exterior surface of the outer edge of the gutter, so that when fully engaged the clip is held firmly in place on the edge 8.

With reference to Figure 4 there is shown a gutter 4 onto which a clip 5 has been installed. The process for installation of a gutter cleaning system 1 in a gutter (shown in Figure 1), includes the steps of positioning a length of hose in the gutter 4 (not shown in figure 4) and engaging the engaging portion 7 of the clip 5 with an edge 8 of the gutter 4. The engaging process involves insertion of the leading edge 16 (shown in figure 2) of the clip 5 under the rolled edge 15 as indicated by designator 17 in Figure 3. The clip 5 is then rotated, as indicated by arrow 18, so as to move the hook shaped profile of engaging portion 7 inside the rolled edge 8 of the gutter 4. It will be appreciated that this motion may be done by hand and does not require the use of any tool. The clip 5 can only be removed from engagement with the rolled edge 8 by rotating the clip 5 in the opposite direction.

The hose 2 (shown in Figure 1) is then clipped down into the retaining portion 6. The hose 2 may be rotated and slid within the clip 5 so as to allow alignment of the, or each, nozzle within the gutter 4.

In order to clean the guttering using the system of Figure 1 the hose 2 is connected to a tap in the usual fashion. With the tap turned on the fluid flows through the hose 2 and out of the nozzle 3 into the gutter 4. Performance of the system may be improved by directing each nozzle in a common direction, which promotes the flow of fluid in a preferred direction within the gutter towards a downpipe.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof.

Claims

WHAT I CLAIM IS:

1. A clip for use with a gutter, the clip including: a retaining portion configured to receive a length of conduit; and an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with an edge of the gutter.

2. The clip as claimed in claim 1 wherein the retaining portion is a substantially "U"- shaped channel.

3. The clip as claimed in claim 2 wherein the engaging portion is formed at a first edge of the "U"-shaped channel.

4. The clip as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the engaging portion is configured to engage with a rolled edge of the guttering.

5. The clip as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the engaging portion is configured to engage with the edge of the gutter by hooking the engaging portion over an edge of the guttering.

6. The clip as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein engaging portion is hooked shaped in cross section.

7. The clip as claimed in claim 6 wherein the hook shape corresponds to an inner shape of a rolled edge of the gutter.

8. The clip as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein the "IT- shaped channel may constrict in width between an open side and a closed side, thereby forming a "C"- shaped region.

9. The clip as claimed in claim 8 wherein the "C"- shaped region is configured to substantially conform to an external cross-sectional shape of the conduit to be retained therein.

10. The clip as claimed in either one of claims 8 of 9 wherein the opening of the "U"- shaped channel flares outwardly from the region having a constricted width.

11. The clip as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the clip is manufactured from a resilient material.

12. A gutter cleaning system for use with guttering, including: a fluid conduit; at least one nozzle configured to connect in fluid communication with the fluid conduit; an attachment for connecting the fluid conduit to a source of fluid; and at least one clip, the clip including: a retaining portion configured to receive and retain the fluid conduit; and an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with an edge of the gutter, wherein the clip is configured to retain the fluid conduit in position adjacent an edge of the gutter.

13. A system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the clip is of a type as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 1 1.

14. A system as claimed in either one of claims 12 or 13 wherein the, or each, clip is attached to an edge of the gutter by way of engaging the engaging portion of the clip with the edge of the gutter.

15. A system as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein the engaging portion is configured to releasably engage with a rolled edge of the gutter.

16. A system as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15 wherein the fluid conduit is a pipe or hose.

17. A system as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 16 wherein the, or each, nozzle is a jet.

18. A system as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 17 wherein the attachment is a tap fitting configured for attaching to a standard connection to the source of fluid.

19. A method of installing a gutter cleaning system in a gutter, the gutter cleaning system having a fluid conduit; at least one nozzle in fluid communication with the fluid conduit; an attachment for connecting the fluid conduit to a source of fluid, and at least one clip having a retaining portion configured to retain the fluid conduit and an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with an edge of the gutter, the method including the steps of: positioning a length of fluid conduit including the nozzle in the gutter; engaging the engaging portion of the clip with an edge of the gutter inserting the fluid conduit into the retaining portion; orienting the fluid conduit so as to direct the nozzle into the gutter; wherein the clip retains the fluid conduit in position adjacent the edge of the guttering,

20. A method as claimed in claim 19 wherein the clip is as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 11.

21. A method as claimed in either one of claims 19 or 20 wherein the gutter cleaning system is as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 18.

22. A method as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 21 including the steps of: connecting the attachment to an end of the conduit; connecting the attachment to a source of fluid; and allowing fluid to flow through the conduit and out of the nozzle into the gutter.

23. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22 including at least two nozzles configured to free debris or detritus from the gutter and to direct the flow of fluid in the gutter in a common direction.