[0001]The invention relates to an external gutter system. The invention is particularly suited for use as an external gutter system for fluids that accumulate on the roof structures of buildings.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[00021 The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the application,

[00031 Drainage of fluid from roof structures is a necessary function of ail buildings. A failure to remove such fluid can result in ingress of the fluid into roof cavity spaces, or the like. In turn, this can then result in fluid damaging the electrical system, insulation or even the interna! structure of the building.

[0004]To avoid this problem, buildings typically have a slanted roof which directs the fluid that accumulates thereon towards gutters. These gutters surround the periphery of the building and direct the flow of the accumulated fluid towards down pipes. Such gutters can be categorised as one of two types - internal gutter systems and external gutter systems.

[0005] Internal gutter systems typically involve the drainage channel, and the weight of any fluid accumulated therein being supported by the building itself. This support is provided to all sides of the drainage channel, usually by way of a fascia board and by way of cut out portions In the rafters.

10006] Externaf gutter systems, by contrast, require a series of clips to be provided internal to the drainage channel to provide the gutters with the necessar strength to cope with the weight of accumulated fluids. One end of the clips attach to the ends of rafters to ensure the connection to the building, The other end of the clip attached to the top of each side wall that forms the gutter.

[0007] In some instances, this same approach to strengthening the drainage channel is used within internal gutter systems. fOOOSJThe use of internal clips as strengthening elements to the drainage channel presents two problems, namely:

(a) as the clip has to attach to both side walls, to keep the gutter in generally perpendicular alignment the side wails have to be the same height. This means that if the gutter receives fluid in excess of its holding capacity, the fluid can overflow on both sides of the gutter. An overflow of fluid on the side of the gutter attached to the building can cause fluid to enter the eaves and thus cause the same type of damage as already mentioned,

(b) As the clip extends across the gutter, it can act as a barrier to debris that has accumulated in the gutte and has risen as a result of the reception of fluid. In some cases, the size and nature of the debris may be such, that even the fluid desired to be drained cannot pass through the debris or pass through the debris in sufficient volume. Where this occurs, the gutter can overflo at this point of obstruction and again result in the problems mentioned in paragraph (a).

[0009] it is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least partially .ameliorate, one or both of the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00103 Throughout this document, unless otherwise indicated to th contrary, the terms "comprising", "consisting of, and the like, are to be construed as non- exhaustive, or in other words, as meaning "including, but not limited to".

[00113 In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there Is an external gutter system com rising: a drainage channel; a beam attachment having a seat and first and second attachment means; the first attachment means operable to securely attaching the external gutter system to the external periphery of a building; where the second attachment means provides retaining means for retaining the drainage channel to the beam attachment and, when so retained, the drainage channel is supported by the seat. £0012JThe beam attachment may further comprise a support. in such a configuration the support incorporates the seat and the second attachment means further operates to securely retain the support to the beam attachment and provide retaining means for retaining the drainage channel to the support. This means that when the drainage channel is retained to the support, the drainage channel is supported by the seat,

[0013] The drainage channel may have a base, an open side wail and a structure side wail, the structure side wall being higher than the open side wall relative to the base and where, when the drainage channel is retained to the support, the structure side wall is positioned adjacent the external periphery of the building.

[0014] The open side wall is preferably angled about its point of connection to the base In a direction away from the structure side wall,

[§015] The open side wall may have at least one strengthening means to prevent bowing of the open side wall. The strengthening means may take the form of an indent located towards the distal end of the open side wall or a hook located at the distal end of the open side wall. Where a hook is used, the hook is preferably squared off in cross-sectional view.

[0016]The first attachment means may includes at least one locating slot, and adjustment of the attachment means relative to the at least one locating slot allows for adjustment to the lateral position of the beam attachment. Adjustment of the attachment means relative to the at least one locating slot may also allow for adjustment to the vertical position of the beam attachment.

[0017] The beam attachment may include a retaining portion, the retaining portion being sized such that, when the support is securely retained to the beam attachment, a gap is formed therebetween for the retention of an eav structure.

[0018] Alternatively, the support has a retaining portion, the retaining portion having a plurality of slots provided therein to facilitate retention of an eave structure. The eave structure may use at least one of the following to facilitate retention of the eave structure within the plurality of slots: tabs, hooks, in such a configuration, the support may also have a positioning flange, the positioning flange operable to facilitate positioning of the eave structure prior to its retention to the support by way of the plurality of slots.

[0019] The support may also have an external profile and the combination of the external profile of the support and the open side wall form a substantially uniform external profile for the assembled drainage system,

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The invention will now be described, by way of example only _s with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of an external gutter system of the present invention.

Figure 2 is an isometric view of a gutter for use in the externa! gutter system shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the gutter shown in Figure 2 taken along th axis A-A.

Figure 4 Is a plan view of a beam attachment for use In the external gutter system shown in Figure 1.

Figure 5 is an isometric view of a support for use in the externa! gutter system shown in Figure 1.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the support shown in Figure 5 taken along axis B~B.

Figure 7 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the external gutter system of the present invention.

Figure 8 is an isometric view of a gutter for use in the externa! gutter system shown in Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the gutter shown in Figure 8 taken along the axis A~A,

Figure 10 is a plan view of a beam attachment for use in the externa! gutter system shown in Figure 7. Figure 11 is an isometric view of a support for use in the externa! gutter system shown in Figure 7,

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the support shown in Figure 11 taken along axis B~B.

Figure 13 i an isometric view of a support for us in an external gutter system according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 14 is an isometric view of a gutter for use with the support as shown in Figure 13.

Figure 15 are an isometric and side view of a vertical attachment for attachment to a rafter 102 for retention of the gutter and support as shown in Figures 13 and 14.

Figure 16 is a plan view of the externa! gutter system according to the third embodiment of the invention,

REFERRED EMBODIMENTS Or THE INVENTION

[0021] Specific embodiments of the present invention are now described in detail. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments oniy _s and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0022] In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention there is an external gutte system 10. The external gutter system 10 comprises a gutter 12, beam attachments 14 and support 16 as shown in Figure 1.

[0.0231 The gutter 12 is shown in cross-section in Figure 3. As shown in that figure, the gutter 12 comprises a hanging channel 18 and a drainage channel 20.

[0024] The hanging channel 18 is a box shaped channel having an opening 22,

[00253 The drainage channel 20 has a base 24, a structure side wail 28 and an open side wall 28. The structure side wall 26 extends from the base 24 at a substantial right angle thereto. The open side wall 28 extends away from the base 24 at an angle approximating 120°. [0026J The height of the open side waff 28, taken at a position perpendicular to base 24 Is significantly lower than the height of structure side wall 28 taken in an identical manner.

[0027] Located towards the distal end 30 of the open side wali 28 is indent 32. Aiso located at the distal end 30 is hook 34. Both the indent 32 and the hook 34 operate to provide additional structural strength to the metal material used to form the gutter 12.

[0028] As is shown in Figure 1 _: the structure side wall 26 not only forms part of the drainage channel 20 but also forms part of the hanging channel 18. The arrangement is such that th drainage channel 20 is formed to one side of the structure side wall 28 and the hanging channel 18 is formed to the other side of the structure side wail 26, Furthermore, the opening 22 of the hanging channel 18 extends in a first direction, white opening 36 of the drainage channel 24 extends in a second, opposite direction.

[0029] Beam attachments 14 take the form of a flange 38, The flange 38 has two locating slots 40a, 40b provided therein. The role of the locating slots 40a, 40b will be described in more detail later on.

[0030] The flange 38 also has a first retaining portion 42, a second retaining portion 44 and a seat 48.

[O031]The shape and size of the first retaining portion 42 is similar to that of the internal profile of the hanging channel 18.

[0032]The second retaining portion 44 incorporates a stepped recess 48. The role of the stepped recess 48 will be described in more detail below.

[0033] The seat 46 extends between the first retaining portion 42 and the second retaining portion 44. The seat 46 has a right angled profile 50 closest to its point of connection to the first retaining portion 42. The seat 46 has an angled profile 52 closest to its point of connection to the second retaining portion 44.

[0034] The support 16 is shown in cross-section in Figure 6, As shown in that figure, the support 18 comprises a seat 54, a hanging channel 58 and a retainer 58. [0035] The seat 54 has a matching profile to seat 46. Similarly, hanging channel 56 has a matching profile to hanging channel 18,

[0036] The retainer 58 comprises a flange 80 and Sip 82, The flange 80 extends away from the seat 48 in a first direction. The lip 62 acts as an extension to the flange 60, but in a manner that wraps back on the flange 80 to extend in a second, opposite direction.

|0037] This embodiment will now be described in the context of its intended use.

|0O30]Once the roof framework of a building has been established, the external gutter system 10 of the present Invention can be installed. This Involves mounting a beam attachment 14 to the end 100 of every second rafter 102.

[00391 In mounting the beam attachment 14 to the end 100 of each rafter 102, the beam attachment should be aligned such that the lower profile 42 matches the angie of the rafter 102. A retainer 104, typically in the form of a bolt, is then inserted into each locating slot 40a, 40b. As each bolt 104 has a head of larger diameter than the width of its locating slot 40a _s 40b, the bolt 104 ensures that the beam attachment 14 remain affixed to its rafter 102. f0040]With the beam attachments 14 affixed to their respectsve rafters 102, the support 18 can then be attached. Attaching the support 16 is achieved by placing it such that the hanging channel 56 is positioned over the top of the first retaining portion 42, As the hanging channel 56 has a matching profile to the first retaining portion 42, this results in a close fit.

10041 J Once the hanging channel 56 securely retains the first retaining portion 42, the support 16 is rotated downwards so that seat 54 sits on seat 46. This also causes fiange 60 to wra back towards the stepped recess 48.

[0042] Due to the tight tolerances here, the flange 60 needs to bend slightly to meet the stepped recess 48. Once the flange 60 meets the stepped recess 48, the flange 60 returns to its original position and thus acts to securely retain the beam attachment 14 to the support 18.

[0Q43Jin this position, it is to be noted that there is a gap between the second retaining portion 44 and lip 82. This gap is of identical, if not slightly smaller, height than thai of a fibre hoard (not shown) which it is intended to retain and help position. The retained fibre boards form the eaves 108 of the building.

[0044] With the support 18 installed, the gutter 12 can be positioned.

[00433 Positioning the gutter 12 sees the hanging channel 18 place over the fop of hanging channel 56. This results in the drainage channel 20 sitting over the top of seat 54 and thus the full weight of the gutter 12 - even when full of fluid - is. supported by the combination of the supports 16 and the beam attachments 14.

[0048] As is evident from Figure 1 , the assembled externa! gutter system 10 presents a substantially uniform external profile 106 and thus provides a greater aesthetic to the building.

100 7] It should also be noted that in this configuration, if the gutter 12 i to fill up with fluid, there Is nothing internal to the gutter 12 that can prevent obstruction of the flow of such fluid (although it is accepted that it is still possible for obstruction to arise at the downpipe). Furthermore, in the event that the amount of fluid delivered to the gutter 12 Is in excess of its designed capacity, the fluid will overflow on the open side wall 28 side due to its lower perpendicular height relative to the structure side wall 26. Thus, excess fluid is directed at all times away from the building.

10048] As this excess fluid can also place a great strain on the structural Integrity of the open side wall .28, the presence of the indent 32 and the hook 34 are important to prevent failure or bowing of the gutter 12 along its length. f0049JAs can be appreciated by the person skilled in the art, the gutter 12 and support 18 will be made of extruded components of fixed length. Thus, In most cases, it will be necessary for the full external gutter system 10 to be made up of a number of interconnected gutters 12 and supports 16.

[0050] As modem building practices ensure that the vertical position of the external gutter system 10 is always substantially constant, the danger to alignment of gutters 12 and supports 16 lies in their ability to move laterally. To ensure that this does not occur, after installing the first assembly of the external gutter system 10 a string line is run along the open side wall 28 for the full length of the intended installation. Subsequent assemblies can then be positioned relative to the string line to ensure an almost seamless outer profile to the externa! gutter system 10 and thus further increasing its visual appeal.

|0051] In situations where the beam attachment 14 has already been mounted and modification is needed to the lateral position of the assembly concerned, this can easily be achieved by loosening bolts 104, The boils 104 are then able to be repositioned within their respective locating slots 40a, 40b until the required lateral position is achieved. The boits 104 are then tightened to maintain that position.

|Q0S2] iih the external gutter system 10 in place, the roof can then be constructed as per Intended. However, it is to be noted that the roof, in whatever form it takes, is required to extend at least as far as hanging channel 18 and apply downward pressure thereto. This downward pressure Is necessary to, firstly, ensure that the external gutter system 10 remains in place and, secondly, to ensure that fluid is property directed to the external gutter system 10 in a manner that minimises Its risk of ingress into the roof cavity,

[00531 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, where like numerals reference like parts, there is an external gutter system 200. The external gutter system 200 is shown in Figures 7 through 12.

[00543 The gutter 202 is shown in cross-section in Figure 9. The gutter 202 is identicaS to gutter 12 shown in the first embodiment with the following exceptions;

» indent 32 is omitted; and

# hook 34, and the distal end 32 generally, is squared off relative to the cross- sectional view of the gutter 12 of th first embodiment.

[0055JBeam attachments 204 are shown in Figure 10. Beam attachments 204 are also identical to beam attachments 14 shown in the first embodiment with the following exceptions;

* each beam attachment 204 is squared off relative to beam attachment 14;

» stepped recess 48 is in effect omitted in favour of slotted recess 206. In order to form slotted recess 208, retaining portion 44 is elongated to extend further away from angled prof ile 52 ₌ iOOSSJThe support 20θ is shown in perspective view in Figure 11 and in cross- section in Figure 12, The only difference between support 208 and support 18 relates to modifications to retainer 58.

[0057] In this second embodiment, retainer 210 comprises a spacer base 212, slot retainer 214 and a restraining flange 218. The spacer base 212 is arranged so as to be substantially parallel to seat 54.

[0058] Extending perpendicular away from spacer base 212 is the slot retainer 214, The slot retainer 214 extends towards seat 54 but is substantially in line with side wall 218 of hanging channel 68.

[OOSSjAs is shown in Figure 11 , the slot retainer 214 has a plurality of slots 220 provided along its length {L}. Each slot 220 is positions substantially at the point of connection between slot retainer 214 and restraining flange 218.

[0060] in a similar fashion, the restraining flange 216 extends perpendicular away from the slot retainer 2 4, The slot retainer 216 is arranged so as to be substantiall parallel to top wail 222 of hanging channel 56. Furthermore, the width of the restraining flang 216 is identical to that of top wall 222.

[0061] This embodiment will now be described in the context of its intended use, but onl so far as it differs from use of the first em odiment.

[0062] Once the roof framework of a building has been established, the external gutter system 200 can be installed. This involves mounting a beam attachment 204 to the end 100 of every second rafter 102,

[0063} With the beam attachments 14 affixed to their respective rafters 102, the support 208 can then be attached. Once the hanging channel 58 securely retains the first retaining portion 42, the support 206 is rotated downwards so that seat 54 sits on seat 46. This also causes retainer 210 to wrap back towards retaining portion 44

[0064] As the retainer 210 wraps back toward the retaining portion 44, the restraining flange 216 abuts the support 206 and prevents further rotation. In this position, slots 220 are aligned with slotted recess 206. [0065J This arrangement then allows for eaves 108 to be installed, installation of such eaves 108 involves lifting each save 108 into a position where It abuts the restraining flange 218. The eave 108 is then directed towards the slot retainer 214, Secure retention of the eave in its required place Is then achieved by inserting a tab or hook {not shown) through the slots 220. fn doing so, the tab or hook is retained within the slotted recess 20Θ,

(00663 With support 208 installed, the gutter 202 can be positioned. Positioning the gutter 202 sees the hanging channel 18 place over the top of hanging channel 56, This results In the drainage channel 20 sitting over the top of seat 54 and thus the full weight of the gutter 202 ~ even when full of fluid - is supported by the combination of the supports 208 and the beam attachments 204.

100671 As is evident from Figure 7, the assembled external gutter system 200 again presents a substantially uniform external profile 108 and thus provides a greater aesthetic to the building.

100683 !t should be appreciated that this second embodiment of the invention shares the same advantages of the first embodiment, At the same time, the second embodiment has further advantages through the mechanical connection of the eaves 108 to the externa! gutter system 200.

[0060] St should be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the above invention is not limited to the embodiments described, in particular, the following modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention;

* [0070] While the Invention has been described in the context of each element of the external gutter system 10, 200 being formed from a metal material, it is possible that one or all of such elements may be formed from other materials, such as plastics or a plastic/metal composite.

* [0071] The drainage channel 20 may have a cross-sectional profile other than as shown in Figure 3. For instance, the open side wail 28 of the drainage channel 20 may be perpendicular to the base 24, so as to provide a common box-shaped drainage channel 20. It is to be noted that certain changes to the profile may require additional changes to the shapes of the supports 16 and the beam attachments 14.

* [0072] Indent 32 and/or hook 34 may be omitted in situations where the material used to construct the gutter 12, or the open side wall 28 in particular, has sufficient inherent strength so as to prevent bowing of the gutter during high rain periods.

* [0073]The hanging channei 18 may be modified or replaced with some other element that provides for the retention of the gutter 12 relative to its respective support(s) 18. Where this occurs, corresponding changes may need to be made to the first retaining portion 42 of the beam attachment 14,

* [0074|Additional locating slots 40a, 40b may be provided in the flange 38 to allow for realignment of the vertical position of the beam attachment 14 where so required.

» [0075] The second retaining portion 44 can be modified so as to prevent the formation of a gap for retaining a fibre board or metai panelling. This is particularly useful for buildings that do not contemplate the creation of eaves.

* |0076] While the external gutter systems 0, 200 as described above has no need for additional structural attachment to the remainder of the building, it is possible to further facilitate such attachment by way of hex head self tapping screws or other like components.

* [0077] The invention can be modified such that the gutte 12, 202 and supports 18, 208 may be extruded on-site to specific dimensions or may be made off-site to predetermined lengths.

* [0078] It should be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that in order for the external gutter system 10, 200 to conform to the peripher of the building, certain gutters 12, 202 and supports 16, 208 may need to be mitred at specific angles as would be readily apparent.

* [0079} The hanging channel 18 need not be a box shaped channei. in a variation as shown in Figures 13 and 14, base 302 of channel 304 may be angled with appropriate changes also being made to hanging channel 56, Angling of base 302 provides a further means of preventing fluid otherwise retained within the gutter 12 from overflowing back into the eaves 1 8. * [ΟΟβδ] The use of a beam attachment 14 is particuiariy relevant when the drainage system 10, 100 is being fitted to an existing building. However, in new buildings, rafters 102 may be constructed in a manner to incorporate all or part of the profile of flange 38. An example of such an arrangement is shown In Figures 15 and 16, As these Figures show, rafter 102 incorporates the elements of right angled profile 50 ₅ angled profile 52 and second retaining portion 44. Designed to be attached vertically to this rafter is a vertical attachment 308, The vertical attachment 308 incorporates the first retaining portion 42,

[0081] It should be further appreciated that even more embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more of the aforementioned features, where such features are not mutually exclusive, can be created without departing from the invention's scope.