WO2020024012A1

WO2020024012A1 - Gutter assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2020024012A1
Application number: PCT/AU2019/050804
Authority: WO
Inventors: Timothy Scott Clifton
Original assignee: Clifton Development And Designs Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2018-07-31
Filing date: 2019-07-31
Publication date: 2020-02-06
Also published as: AU2019315329A1

Abstract

A box gutter assembly comprising: at least one water receiving gutter lining panel (310) positioned on an upper portion of assembly; a primary sump chamber (110) defined by a base (114) and one or more upstanding walls (112), the primary sump being arranged below the gutter lining comprises a primary outlet (115); an overflow sump chamber (150) arranged underneath said primary sump to receive overflow from the primary sump chamber, said overflow sump chamber comprising a secondary overflow outlet (155). Locking bar (320) and clips (241A and 241B) lock the gutter panel (310) into position.

Description

GUTTER ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FI ELD

[001] The present invention relates to box gutters or internal gutters, parallel gutter, or trough gutters.

BACKGROUND

[002] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

[003] Box gutters are usually situated between a roof sloping down to an existing wall or between two roofs sloping down towards each other. These box gutters usually lead to conventional guttering on the outside of building or roof. Box gutters should not be confused with so-called valley gutters or valley flashings which occur at the non-parallel intersection of roof surfaces, typically at right angled internal corners of pitched roofs.

[004] A box gutter is given its name as it is usually“boxed” into the middle or edge of the roof. The gutter collects the water and disposes of it through the drainpipe. Box guttering is generally concealed as they are hidden by outside walls that are higher than the edge of the roof tiles or sheeting. As a result, box gutters cannot be seen which is generally desirable to increase the internal space of a building. Box gutters may be unsightly and as a result it may be preferable to conceal box gutters.

[005] One of the shortcomings of concealed box gutters is that it is very difficult to detect blockages in box gutters. As a result, during instances of blockages (clogging caused by debris such as leaves) and significant damage may be caused to the internal structure of the building. The issue with partially blocked box gutters may be exasperated during weather events accompanied by significantly high levels of rainfall.

[006] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a conventional box gutter that includes a centrally positioned sump that is located in between two opposed gutter liners. In some prior art box gutters such as the box gutters shown in Figures 1 to 3, the gutter liners are fastened onto an upper portion of the walls defining the sump by fastening means such as rivets. The gutter liners are positioned for directing water from adjacently positioned roof panels into the sump. The sump is typically provided with sufficient depth to allow accumulation of water in the sump during rain events. The sump is generally defined by upstanding walls and a base. The base is provided with an outlet that is used for discharging any water that is received into the sump. The outlet may be coupled with a conduit for directing the discharged water to a drainage assembly (not shown).

[007] It is therefore desirable to provide a box gutter that addresses some of the shortcomings of the prior art. SUMMARY OF I NVENTION

[008] In an aspect, the invention provides a box gutter assembly comprising:

at least one water receiving gutter lining panel positioned on an upper portion of assembly for receiving water from an adjacently positioned roof panel;

a primary sump chamber defined by a base and one or more upstanding walls, the primary sump being arranged below the gutter lining panel to allow water to flow from the gutter lining panel into the primary sump under gravity and wherein the primary sump comprises a primary outlet to discharge water out of the primary sump;

an overflow sump chamber arranged adjacent said primary sump chamber, the over flow sump chamber being in fluid communication with the primary sump chamber to receive overflow from the primary sump chamber, said overflow sump chamber comprising a secondary overflow outlet to discharge water out of the overflow sump chamber.

[009] In an embodiment, the box gutter assembly further comprises an overflow passage positioned adjacent an upstanding wall of the primary sump chamber for receiving overflow from the primary sump chamber and directing the overflow into the overflow sump chamber.

[010] In an embodiment, the overflow passage is defined by said adjacent upstanding wall of the primary sump chamber and another outwardly arranged wall wherein in-use height of said adjacent upstanding wall of the primary sump chamber is less than height of the upwardly arranged wall to allow overflow from the primary sump chamber to be directed into the overflow passage.

[01 1] In an embodiment, the outwardly arranged wall of the overflow passage is formed continuously with one or more upstanding walls defining the overflow sump chamber.

[012] In an embodiment, the overflow sump chamber comprises a base positioned below the base of the primary sump chamber.

[013] In an embodiment, the box gutter assembly further comprises a trough with one or more profiled panels for receiving water from adjacently positioned roof panels. Preferably, the trough comprises one or more upstanding wall portion surrounding said gutter lining panel.

[014] In an embodiment, the box gutter further comprises a barrier member extending across an underside portion of the gutter lining panel to prevent flow of water drawn by capillary attraction under the profiled panel of the trough along a length of the trough panel. [015] In an embodiment, an upper portion of the box gutter extends between two ends such that a first of the said gutter lining panel is positioned at one of the ends and a second of the said trough is positioned at the other of the two ends.

[016] In an embodiment, each of said first and second troughs slope downwardly such that water received on the gutter lining panel is directed into the primary sump chamber.

[017] In an embodiment, the trough further comprises one or more upstanding trough walls surrounding said gutter lining panel to confine water received on the trough and direct water received on said trough towards the primary sump chamber.

[018] In an embodiment, the overflow sump chamber is positioned vertically below the primary sump chamber such that the overflow sump chamber comprises a base that is positioned vertically below the base of the primary sump chamber.

[019] In an embodiment, the one or more of said upstanding side walls defining the primary sump chamber extend downwardly to define upstanding side walls of the overflow sump chamber.

[020] In an alternative embodiment, the one or more of said upstanding side walls defining the primary sump chamber are formed continuously with upstanding side walls of the overflow sump chamber.

[021] In an embodiment, the trough comprises a panel comprising profiled crests extending along the length of the panel and wherein the box gutter further comprises one or more panel engagement clips for engaging said panel.

[022] In an embodiment, the panel engagement clip comprises:

first and second opposed legs extending downwardly from a head portion; and first and second feet located at ends of the first and second legs, the first and second feet having return portions extending inwardly from the first and second legs respectively;

wherein the first and second feet are interspaced to snap lock over a crest of a profiled portion of the panel.

[023] In an embodiment, the first and second feet include crest contact surfaces that diverge inwardly and upwardly to assist in pressing the engagement clip over the crest.

[024] In an embodiment, the clip is formed with at least one crest head stop member that extends into a space between the legs and which is dimensioned to abut an upper surface of the crest as the first and second feet pass a head of the crest. [025] In an embodiment, the at least one crest head stop member comprises first and second head stop members that extend inwardly toward each other from the first and second legs and wherein the first and second legs bend outwardly and downwardly from adjacent the first and second head stop members.

[026] In an embodiment, the box gutter further comprises a clip assembly for securing said trough onto an upper portion, the clip assembly including:

a rigid support member;

at least one clip for the inside of a concealed fixing profile fastened to the rigid support member; and

at least one outside crest engagement clip as described herein fastened to the rigid support member.

[027] In an embodiment, the box gutter assembly further comprises a reinforcing member extending across the gutter lining panel to limit warping or flexing of the gutter lining panel.

[028] In an embodiment, the reinforcing member extends between two opposed upstanding walls of the gutter lining panel. In an embodiment, the upstanding walls each comprise a projection for securing diametrically opposed ends of the reinforcing member thereunder. The reinforcing member may preferably be located between the projections of the upstanding walls and the gutter lining panel.

[029] In an alternative embodiment, the reinforcing member is secured to two retaining members located adjacent two upstanding walls of the gutter lining panel, wherein the reinforcing member is located between the retaining members and the gutter lining panel.

[030] In an embodiment, the reinforcing member is telescopic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[031] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

Figure 1 illustrates a plan view of a conventional box gutter (prior art).

Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of a conventional box gutter (prior art).

Figure 3 illustrates a side elevation view of a conventional box gutter (prior art).

Figure 4 is a plan view of the box gutter 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is an enlarged top perspective view of the box gutter 100.

Figure 6 is an underside view of the box gutter 100. Figure 7 is a transverse sectional view of the box gutter 100.

Figure 8 is a side view of the box gutter 100.

Figure 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the box gutter 100.

Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the clip assembly 190 used for non-penetratively fastening the gutter lining panel 144 to an upper portion of the box gutter 100.

Figure 1 1 is an enlarged view of clip 195 shown in engagement with gutter lining panel 144.

Figure 12 is a transverse sectional view of the box gutter 100 having a reinforcing member 200

DETAILED DESCRI PTION OF PREFERRED EMBODI MENTS

[032] Figures 4 to 9 illustrate a box gutter 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The box gutter 100 is provided for being positioned situated between a roof sloping down to an existing wall or between two roofs sloping down towards each other. The box gutter 100 includes a first water receiving trough 140 for receiving water from an adjacently arranged roof panel (such as a corrugated roof panel). The trough 140 includes a profiled gutter liner sheet panel 144 that forms the base of the trough 140 with upstanding walls 142A, 142B and 14C extending upwardly relative to the gutter liner 144.

[033] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the gutter liner 144 slopes downwardly from an outer portion towards an inwardly located primary sump chamber 110. The primary sump chamber 1 10 is defined by a base 1 14 and one or more upstanding wall panels 1 12A, 1 12B and 112C. The gutter liner 144 of the trough 140 is at a greater height relative to the base 114 of the primary sump. The primary sump 1 10 is arranged below the trough 140 to allow water to flow from the trough 140 into the primary sump 1 10 under gravity. A primary discharge outlet 1 15 is provided in the base 1 14 to discharge water out of the primary sump 1 10.

[034] Advantageously, the box gutter 100 is also provided with an overflow sump chamber 150 that is arranged below the primary sump chamber 1 10 to receive overflow from the primary sump chamber 1 10 as shown in Figures 6 and 7. As will be evident in the foregoing sections, the overflow chamber 150 is positioned for diverting any overflow from the primary sump chamber 1 10 during periods of extremely heavy rainfall (whereby rate of water flowing into the primary sump 1 10 is significantly higher than the rate of discharge of water through the primary discharge outlet 115. The overflow sump chamber 150 may also be particularly useful when the primary discharge outlet 115 get clogged due to build-up of debris, leaves or any other blockages. The overflow sump chamber comprises a base 154 that is positioned below the base of the primary sump chamber 1 14. The base 154 of the overflow sump chamber 150 includes a secondary outlet 155 for discharging water out of the overflow sump chamber 150.

[035] In the presently described embodiment, an overflow passage 130 (best shown in Figure 4) is positioned adjacent a transversely arranged upstanding wall 120 of the primary sump chamber 1 10 that extends between opposite upstanding walls 1 12A and 1 12B. During use, any rise in water level (in the primary sump chamber 110) beyond a top edge of the transverse upstanding wall 120 results in the overflow spilling into the overflow passage 130 and being directed to the overflow sump chamber 150 under gravity. The overflow passage 130 is defined by the transverse upstanding wall 120 of the primary sump chamber 1 10 and a spaced apart outer wall 132 that is sufficiently large to allow the spilled overflow (from the primary sump chamber 1 10) to be directed into the overflow sump chamber 130 positioned below the primary sump chamber 1 10. In some embodiments, the height of the transverse upstanding wall 120 may be slightly less than height of the adjacent outer wall 132. However, in other alternative embodiments, the height of the transverse upstanding wall 120 may be substantially similar to the height of the adjacent outer wall 132.

[036] The adjacent outer wall 132 defining the overflow passage 130 is formed continuously with (or extends) an upstanding wall of the overflow sump chamber 150 to further assist with directing the overflow into the overflow sump chamber 150. All of the other upstanding walls defining the overflow chamber 150 are formed continuously with upstanding walls 1 12A, 1 12B and 1 12C defining the primary sump chamber 1 10. The inventor has found that positioning the overflow chamber 150 below the primary sump chamber 1 10 in combination with the continuous upstanding walls shared between the upper sump chamber 1 10 and the lower sump chamber 150 presents a compact and efficient box gutter that is easy to fabricate with relatively less sheet material whilst also effective in preventing damage from overflow during period of heavy downpour.

[037] Turning to the trough 140, the gutter liner panel 144 is positioned for receiving water from a first adjacently located roof panel (not shown). It must be understood that an additional trough 140 may also be positioned or supported above the transversely arranged upstanding wall 120 of the primary sump chamber 110 and outer panel 132 of the overflow passage 130 to receive water from a second adjacently located roof panel to direct water into the primary sump passage 1 10. As a result, two oppositely arranged troughs 140 may be positioned on an upper portion of the box gutter assembly 100 for receiving and directing water into the primary sump chamber 1 10.

[038] Referring to Figure 9, an underside of the gutter lining panel 144 is provided with a barrier member 170 positioned across an underside portion of the gutter lining panel 144 to prevent flow of water along the panel drawn by capillary attraction under the profiled gutter lining panel 144. The positioning of the barrier 170 functions as a barrier and re- directs any water drawn by capillary action back into the primary sump chamber 1 10. In some embodiments, the barrier member 170 may be formed from closed cell foam. However, the invention is in no way limited by the use of closed cell foam it is important to note that as the primary sump chamber 1 10 fills up and reaches its maximum capacity, the water is expected to spill over and contact an underside of the gutter lining panel 144 whilst spilling into the overflow sump chamber 150 through the overflow passage 130. The positioning of the barrier member 170 can play two important roles. In one scenario if the barrier member 170 is positioned closer to the primary sump chamber 1 10 (See figure 9), the distance between the barrier member 170 and the primary sump chamber 1 10 can govern how much water is allowed into the overflow sump 150. As a result, the provision of the barrier member 170 provides the ability to accommodate for different downpipe sizes. For example, if a small downpipe is used for both the primary and overflow outlets 1 15 and 155, the distance between the barrier member 170 and the primary sump chamber 1 10 we would have to be reduced to ensure that very little water Is allowed to flow into the overflow chamber 150. On the other hand, if a large downpipe is positioned at the outlets 1 15 and 155, the barrier member 170 could be positioned further away from the primary sump chamber 1 10 to stop water tracking back along the underside of the gutter lining panel 144 and causing a leak. As the water touches the barrier member 170, it would drip into the overflow chamber 150 via the overflow passage 130.

[039] Referring to Figures 9 to 1 1 , the gutter lining panels 144 are non-penetratively attached to the upper portion of the box gutter 100 by way of roof engagement clips 195 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It will be observed that the clip 195 has first and second opposed legs 21 a and 21 b which diverge downward and outwardly from a head portion 23. In the preferred embodiment that is illustrated in Figure 5, the head portion 23 of the roof crest engagement clip 195 comprises a planar spacer between the two legs 21 a and 21 b though it could be arcuate or angular. First and second feet 25a and 25b are located at the lower ends of the first and second legs 21 a, 21 b. The first and second feet 25a and 25b are formed with return portions 27a and 27b that extend inwardly from the first and second feet respectively. The return portions have crest contact surfaces 29a, 29b that converge inwardly and upwardly to assist in guiding the engagement clip 195 over the outside of a crest of the profiled gutter lining panel 144.

[040] The first and second feet 25a and 25b are interspaced to snap lock over a crest of a roof profile. The clip 195 is formed with crest head stop members in the form of first and second head stop members 31a, 31 b. The stop members extend inwardly towards each other from the first and second legs 21a and 21 b. In use, as the clip 195 is being applied about the outside of a crest of the roof profile, the stop members 31a and 31 b abut an upper surface of the crest as the first and second feet pass the head of the crest.

[041] As shown in Figure 1 1 , the first and second legs 21 a and 21 b bend outwardly and downwardly from bend angles 33a, 33b adjacent the first and second head stop members 31 a, 31 b. The outside roof crest engagement clip 195 may be formed of extruded aluminium though it may also be formed of other suitably strong and resilient substances, for various types of durable, UV stable, plastic may be suitable.

[042] Referring now to Figure 10, there is shown a roof clip assembly 190 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The roof clip assembly 190 is comprised of a rigid support member 135 with underlying clips 180 that are fastened onto the rigid support member 135. A number of clips 195 for snap locking the gutter lining panel 144 to the underlying clips 180 are used to non-penetratively attaching the gutter lining panel 144 onto the upper portion of the box gutter 100. Attachment of the profiled gutter liners 144 requires no fasteners or sealants which results in less chances of leaks due to human error. The attachment of the profiled gutter liner 144 requires no fasteners which means there are no holes to be drilled and no silicone is required. The gutter liner panel 144 can expand and contract as it can slide on the clips 190. The gutter liner panel 144 would also be faster to install.

[043] Figures 12A, 12B and 13A to 13D illustrate another embodiment of the gutter assembly 300 comprising a profiled gutter lining panel 310 and a locking bar 320 provided to lock the gutter panel 310 into position as will be discussed in the foregoing sections. Typical installation of the gutter assembly 300 (shown in Figures 13A to 13D) may involve placing insulation over a flat gutter panel defining a generally C-shaped surface. After placement of insulation (Figure 13A), fall correctors such as F may be placed above the insulation layer to assist with setting the correct slope for the gutter lining panel 310 to be positioned thereon. Thereafter the profiled gutter lining panel 310 may be positioned on top of the insulation layer I. The gutter lining panel 310 (as shown clearly in Figures 1 1A and 11 B) comprises a base 315 flanked by upstanding side walls 317 that slant inwardly towards a central portion of the base 315. The base 315 comprises a profiled configuration with flat portions 316 for allowing water to flow thereon being separated by crests 318. The slanted side walls 317 and the base 315 are integrally formed and form a panel 310 that can be easily placed into position for forming a gutter assembly that is adapted to receive water from adjacently located roof panels R1 and R2 as shown in Figures 13A to 13D.

[044] As is evident from the illustrations, each of the upstanding side walls 317 extends along a length of the gutter lining panel 310 in an upwardly direction relative to a water receiving surface of the base 315 of the gutter lining panel 315. The side walls 317 of the gutter lining panel 310 includes an engagement formation in the form of a profiled and recessed channel 314 defined by a channel wall 311 that is oriented transversely relative to the upwardly dependent side wall portion 312 and the downwardly dependent side wall portion 313. The gutter assembly 300 also includes a reinforcing member 320 which extends across the width of the gutter lining panel 310 and positioned over the crests 318 of the profiled gutter lining panel 310. Specifically, end portions 321 and 323 are placed into engagement with the transversely oriented channel wall 31 1 and intermediate portions (denoted generally by 325) of the reinforcement member 320 engages with the upper portion of the crests 318. The provision of the reinforcement member 320 into engagement with the transversely oriented channel wall 31 1 in combination with the upper portions of the crests 318 of the base 315 prevents the profiled gutter liner sheet panel 310 from buckling or warping due to the large volumes of water that can flow onto the sheet panel 310 (particularly the base 315) during heavy downpours. As shown, the ends 321 and 323 of the reinforcing member 320 are received within the elbow portions defined by the transversely oriented channel wall 31 1 and the downwardly dependent side wall portion 313 thereby securing the reinforcing member 320 between the lower side wall portions 313 of the gutter lining panel 310.

[045] It is important to appreciate that the inwardly directed S-shaped profile of the side walls 317 in the gutter lining panel provides engagement formations that allow the reinforcing member 320 to be engaged and retained whilst applying a downwardly directed force towards the crests 318 of the base 315 in order to maintain the panel base 315 in its desired shape. [046] Referring now to Figure 12, there is illustrated a box gutter 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Box gutter 200 is substantially similar to box gutter 100 having primary sump chamber 1 10 and overflow sump chamber 150, as described above in relation to box gutter 100.

[047] Box gutter 200 also includes a first water receiving trough 240 for receiving water from an adjacently arranged roof panel (such as a corrugated roof panel). Similar to trough 140, trough 240 includes a profiled gutter liner sheet panel 244 that forms the base of the trough 240 with upstanding walls 242A and 242B extending upwardly relative to the gutter liner 244.

[048] As can be seen, upstanding walls 242A and 242B each include respective retaining clips 241 A and 242B located therein. The retaining clips 241 A, 241 B have a substantially S-shaped profile that is complementary to the shape of the upstanding walls 242A and 242B. In this regard, the upstanding walls 242A, 242B have projecting elbow portions 243A, 243B that reciprocally engage a tail of the respective retaining clip 241 A, 241 B. The retaining clips 241 A, 241 B may be secured to the box gutter 200 using rivets or waterproof screws to prevent the ingress of water into the roof.

[049] In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 320 may be telescopic to allow the length of the reinforcing member to be easily adjusted whilst being located in the elbow portions of the gutter liner 310 to be secured atop the profiled gutter liner sheet panel. As such, one end of the reinforcing member may be located at one elbow portion or receiving portion before the opposing end of the reinforcing member is telescopically extended to be received in another elbow portion or receiving portion.

[050] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term “comprises” and its variations, such as“comprising” and“comprised of” is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

[051] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

[052] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A box gutter assembly comprising:

a primary sump chamber defined by a base and one or more walls, the primary sump being arranged below the gutter lining panel to allow water to flow from the gutter lining panel into the primary sump under gravity and wherein the primary sump comprises a primary outlet to discharge water out of the primary sump;

2. A box gutter assembly in accordance with claim 1 further comprising an overflow passage positioned adjacent a wall of the primary sump chamber for receiving overflow from the primary sump chamber and directing the overflow into the overflow sump chamber

3. A box gutter in accordance with claim 2 wherein the overflow passage is defined by said adjacent wall of the primary sump chamber and another outwardly arranged wall wherein in-use height of said adjacent wall of the primary sump chamber is less than height of the upwardly arranged wall to allow overflow from the primary sump chamber to be directed into the overflow passage.

4. A box gutter in accordance with any one of claims 2 or 3 wherein the outwardly arranged wall of the overflow passage is formed continuously with one or more walls defining the overflow sump chamber.

5. A box gutter in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the overflow sump chamber comprises a base positioned below the base of the primary sump chamber.

6. A box gutter in accordance with any one of the preceding claims further one or more profiled panels forming said gutter lining panel for receiving water from adjacently positioned roof panels.

7. A box gutter in accordance with any one of the preceding claims further comprising a barrier member extending across an underside portion of the gutter lining panel to prevent flow of water drawn by capillary attraction under the gutter lining panel along a length of the gutter lining panel.

8. A box gutter in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein an upper portion of the box gutter extends between two ends such that a first of the said gutter lining panel is positioned at one of the ends and a second of the said gutter lining panel is positioned at the other of the two ends.

9. A box gutter in accordance with claim 8 wherein each of said first and second gutter lining panels slope downwardly such that water received on the gutter lining panels is directed into the primary sump chamber.

10. A box gutter in accordance with any one of the preceding claims further comprising one or more upstanding walls surrounding said gutter lining panel to confine water received on the gutter lining panel and direct water received on said gutter lining panel towards the primary sump chamber.

1 1. A box gutter in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the overflow sump chamber is positioned vertically below the primary sump chamber such that the overflow sump chamber comprises a base that is positioned vertically below the base of the primary sump chamber.

12. A box gutter in accordance with claim 1 1 wherein the one or more of said upstanding side walls defining the primary sump chamber extend downwardly to define upstanding side walls of the overflow sump chamber.

13. A box gutter in accordance with claim 12 wherein the one or more of said upstanding side walls defining the primary sump chamber are formed continuously with upstanding side walls of the overflow sump chamber.

14. A box gutter in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the gutter lining panel comprises profiled crests extending along the length of the panel and wherein the box gutter further comprises one or more panel engagement clips for engaging said panel.

15. A box gutter in accordance with claim 14 wherein the panel engagement clip comprises:

16. A box gutter in accordance with claim 15 wherein the first and second feet include crest contact surfaces that diverge inwardly and upwardly to assist in pressing the engagement clip over the crest.

17. A box gutter in accordance with claim 15 or claim 16 wherein the clip is formed with at least one crest head stop member that extends into a space between the legs and which is dimensioned to abut an upper surface of the crest as the first and second feet pass a head of the crest.

18. A box gutter in accordance with claim 17 wherein the at least one crest head stop member comprises first and second head stop members that extend inwardly toward each other from the first and second legs and wherein the first and second legs bend outwardly and downwardly from adjacent the first and second head stop members.

19. A box gutter in accordance with any one of the preceding claims further comprising a clip assembly for securing said trough onto an upper portion, the clip assembly including: a rigid support member;

at least one outside crest engagement clip according to any one of claims 14 to 18 fastened to the rigid support member.

20. A box gutter assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims further comprising a reinforcing member extending across the gutter lining panel, the reinforcing member being adapted to be engaged relative to the upstanding wall and the gutter lining panel to limit warping or flexing of the gutter lining panel.

21. A box gutter assembly in accordance with claim 20 wherein the reinforcing member extends between two opposed upstanding walls of the gutter lining panel.

22. A box gutter assembly in accordance with any one of claims 20 or 21 wherein the upstanding walls comprises a respective engagement formation for engaging and securing diametrically opposed ends of the reinforcing member to apply a downward force towards the gutter lining panel positioned thereunder.

23. A box gutter assembly in accordance with claim 22 wherein the engagement formations on the side walls comprise an inwardly recessed channel extending along the length of the upstanding wall for engagement with the diametrically opposed ends of the reinforcing member.

24. A box gutter assembly in accordance with claim 23 wherein the inwardly recessed channel is defined by a channel wall that is oriented transversely relative to the upstanding wall, wherein during use the channel wall abuts the opposed ends of the reinforcing member.

25. A box gutter assembly in accordance with claim 24 wherein said channel wall forms a profiled formation extending substantially along a length of the upstanding side walls.

26. A box gutter assembly in accordance with any one of claims 20 to 25 wherein the upstanding walls slant in an inwardly direction towards each other.

27. A box gutter assembly in accordance with claim 26 wherein the gutter lining panel further comprises in-use upper portions wherein during use, the in-use upper portions engage with intermediate sections of the reinforcement member, said intermediate sections being located between the opposed ends of the reinforcing member in engagement with the engagement formations of the upstanding walls.

28. A box gutter assembly in accordance with claim 27 wherein the in-use upper portions comprise profiled crests extending along the length of the gutter lining panel.

29. A box gutter assembly in accordance with any one of claims 20 to 28 wherein length of the reinforcing member is adjustable.

30. A box gutter in accordance with claim 29 wherein the reinforcing member comprises two or more frame members telescopically received into each other.

31. A gutter assembly for receiving and directing water from roof panels, the gutter assembly comprising:

at least one water receiving gutter lining panel for receiving water from an adjacently positioned roof panel;

said at least gutter lining panel having a base being flanked by upstanding side wall panels positioned on either lateral side of the gutter lining panel, each of the upstanding wall panels extending along a length of the gutter lining panel in an upwardly direction relative to a water receiving surface of the gutter lining panel; and

a reinforcing member extending across the gutter lining panel between the upstanding wall panels, the reinforcing member being adapted to be engaged relative to the upstanding walls and the gutter lining panel to limit warping or flexing of the gutter lining panel.

32. A gutter assembly in accordance with claim 31 wherein each of the upstanding side walls comprises a respective engagement formation for engaging and securing diametrically opposed ends of the reinforcing member to apply a downward force towards the gutter lining panel positioned thereunder.

33. A gutter assembly in accordance with claim 32 wherein the engagement formations on the upstanding side walls comprise an inwardly recessed channel extending along the length of the upstanding side wall for engagement with the diametrically opposed ends of the reinforcing member.

34. A gutter assembly in accordance with claim 33 wherein the inwardly recessed channel is defined by a channel wall that is oriented transversely relative to the upstanding wall, wherein during use the channel wall abuts the opposed ends of the reinforcing member.

35. A gutter assembly in accordance with claim 34 wherein said channel wall forms a profiled formation extending substantially along a length of the upstanding side walls.

36. A box gutter assembly in accordance with any one of claims 31 to 35 wherein the upstanding side walls slant in a downwardly and inwardly direction towards each other.

37. A gutter assembly in accordance with claim 36 wherein the gutter lining panel further comprises in-use upper portions wherein during use, the in-use upper portions engage with intermediate sections of the reinforcement member, said intermediate sections being located between the opposed ends of the reinforcing member in engagement with the engagement formations of the upstanding walls.

38. A gutter assembly in accordance with claim 37 wherein the in-use upper portions comprise profiled crests extending along the length of the gutter lining panel.

39. A gutter assembly in accordance with any one of claims 31 to 38 wherein length of the reinforcing member is adjustable.

40. A gutter assembly in accordance with claim 39 wherein the reinforcing member comprises two or more frame members telescopically received into each other.

41. A gutter assembly for receiving and directing water from roof panels, the gutter assembly comprising:

said at least gutter lining panel being flanked by upstanding side wall panels positioned on either lateral side of the gutter lining panel, each of the upstanding wall panels extending along a length of the gutter lining panel in an upwardly direction relative to a water receiving surface of the gutter lining panel;

wherein the gutter lining panel comprises one or more profiled crests separated by valleys extending therebetween to allow water to flow thereon.