AU2007201051B2 - Gutter Assembly - Google Patents

Description

P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Brian M Whittington and Dave Bell Actual Inventor Dave Bell and Brian M Whittington Address for service is: WRAY & ASSOCIATES Level 4, The Quadrant 1 William Street Perth, WA 6000 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: Gutter Assembly The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 1 -2 Gutter Assembly Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to a gutter assembly. In particular the gutter assembly comprises a gutter capable of rotating to an inverted position. 5 Background Art It is important to keep the guttering system of a building free from debris. Failure to keep gutters clean result in blockages, which can cause flooding of the building, and may also provide a catalyst for rust. Also, when water is collected for consumption the water may pose a health risk if the water contains rotting 10 debris. Another reason to keep the gutters free of debris is the fire risk debris provides should a spark or ember from a nearby fire settles in the gutter. Numerous systems are available to prevent debris entering and clogging a buildings guttering system. These systems are typically in the form of a barrier 15 placed relative to the gutter such that debris passes across the opening of the gutter, rather than into the gutter. Unfortunately solutions to date do not prevent all debris from entering and accumulating in the gutter, and eventually the debris needs to be manually removed from the gutters. This is a difficult and dangerous task, as it usually 20 requires a person to manually remove the debris while standing on a ladder at various intervals along the length of the gutter. It becomes even more difficult for buildings more than one storey in height. The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated that 25 the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part-of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

-3/1 It is an object of this invention to provide a guttering system which may be positioned such that no debris can enter the gutter, and may be easily cleaned. Summary Of Invention The present invention provides a gutter system comprising at least one length of gutter supported adjacent a lower edge of a surface for collecting material therefrom, the gutter is movable between a first position, wherein material flowing across the surface is received in the gutter, to a second position wherein no material is retained therein. The present invention further provides a gutter system comprising at least one length of gutter supported adjacent a lower edge of a surface for collecting material therefrom, the gutter is movable between a first position, wherein material flowing across the surface is received in the gutter, to a second position wherein no material is retained therein, comprising a support means for rotatably supporting the gutter with respect to a structure, such as a building, wherein the support means rotatably secures the gutter to the structure such that the gutter rotates about the support means, the support means defining an axis of rotation, the support means extending along the length of the gutter and is positioned in or adjacent the gutter opening, so as to substantially prevent twisting of the gutter as the gutter moves between the first position and second position. In the first position, the gutter of the present invention is in the traditional position wherein the gutter can receive any material which flows along the surface. In the second position, the gutter is positioned such that any material which flows across the surface will bypass the gutter and fall to the ground. With this invention, the gutter may be left in the second position during the dry season, and any leaves or debris that collects on the roof will be blown from the roof rather than accumulating in the gutter. Furthermore, should the gutter require cleaning, it can simply be placed in the second position and may be easily cleaned from the ground with a hose, or may be left until any debris in the gutter dries and falls therefrom. Preferably the first position of the gutter is angularly spaced from the second position in which an opening of the gutter is substantially inverted. This will assist when cleaning the gutter as no material can be caught in the gutter. However, it is to be understood that the gutter may be positioned anywhere between the first position and second position. The gutter may be placed in a third position whereby the gutter receives material which flows across the surface, but does not retain the material therein. The support means may comprise a plurality of pivot brackets secured to the building. The pivot brackets may be spaced at intervals along the lower edge of 5 the surface. In one aspect of the invention, the support means further comprises a plurality of support brackets secured to and spaced at intervals along the gutter. Preferably the support brackets span across the opening of the gutter. Each support bracket may be adapted to align with and be received upon a pivot bracket, such 10 that when assembled the gutter may rotate relative thereto. In another aspect of the invention, the support means comprises a rod supported in the opening of the gutter and spanning along a longitudinal extent thereof so as to provide the rotational axis. The rod may be received upon the pivot brackets, such that when assembled the gutter may rotate relative thereto. 15 The support means may rotatably secure the gutter to the building. Preferably the guttering system comprises rotation means to rotate the gutter between the first and second positions. The rotation means may be in the form of a pulley system whereby rotation of the pulley causes the gutter to rotate to the desired position. The pulley system may be located at an end of each gutter 20 or at an intermediate position. The pulley system may be integrally formed with the gutter. The pulley system may comprise a cylindrical section around which a rope is supported. The pulley may be locked so as to retain the gutter in the desired position. However, it is to be understood that any rotation means known to the person skilled in the art may be used without moving away from the spirit 25 of this invention. The rotation means may be automated or manually operable.

-4 The support means may allow the gutter to rotate about an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation may extend along the length of the gutter and may be positioned in or adjacent to the gutter opening. The support means may comprise a plurality of pivot brackets secured to the 5 building. The pivot brackets may be spaced at intervals along the lower edge of the surface. In one aspect of the invention, the support means further comprises a plurality of support brackets secured to and spaced at intervals along the gutter. Preferably the support brackets span across the opening of the gutter. Each support 10 bracket may be adapted to align with and be received upon a pivot bracket, such that when assembled the gutter may rotate relative thereto. In another aspect of the invention, the support means comprises a rod supported in the opening of the gutter and spanning along a longitudinal extent thereof so as to provide the rotational axis. The rod may be received upon the pivot 15 brackets, such that when assembled the gutter may rotate relative thereto. The support means may rotatably secure the gutter to the building. Preferably the guttering system comprises rotation means to rotate the gutter between the first and second positions. The rotation means may be in the form of a pulley system whereby rotation of the pulley causes the gutter to rotate to 20 the desired position. The pulley system may be located at an end of each gutter or at an intermediate position. The pulley system may be integrally formed with the gutter. The pulley system may comprise a cylindrical section around which a rope is supported. The pulley may be locked so as to retain the gutter in the desired position. However, it is to be understood that any rotation means known 25 to the person skilled in the art may be used without moving away from the spirit of this invention. The rotation means may be automated or manually operable.

-5 When the guttering system is of the automated kind, a control means is used to control the rotation means. The control means may be set such that the gutter moves to the first position when rain is detected. It may also be set such that the gutter will only move to the first position at a period after rain is detected so that 5 the surface is cleaned by the rain before the gutter commences collecting the water therefrom. The gutter system may further comprise a collection means into which the gutter directs water. The collection means may comprise a traditional downpipe having a collection box at the top thereof. The collection box may have a mesh material 10 spanning across its opening. The collection box may be so shaped such that the mesh material provides a surface which falls away from the house. This will ensure that any debris which may fall upon or be directed to the collection box is caused to fall away from the house and onto the ground. The collection means may comprise a conventional type of downpipe assembly 15 whereby an aperture in the gutter aligns and mates with a downpipe when the gutter is in the first position. The collection means may be located at the junction of two surfaces. The present invention further provides a guttering system incorporating a collection means, the collection means comprising a collection box at the top of a 20 downpipe, the collection box comprising a receiving surface for receiving material collected in a gutter, the receiving surface incorporates a plurality of apertures through which fluid may pass, the receiving surface being configured to fall away from the building to which the gutter is attach such that debris collected on top of the receiving surface is caused to fall to the ground. 25 Description of the Drawings The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of several specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which: -6 Figure 1 is bottom perspective view of a guttering system according to a first embodiment wherein two gutters of the system are in the first position; Figure 2 is a view similar to figure 1 but with each gutter in a second position; 5 Figure 3 is an elevated view along the length of the gutter; Figure 4 is a view showing the support means; Figure 5 is a view of the guttering system showing a rotation means; Figure 6 is a plan sectional view of a guttering system according to a second embodiment; 10 Figure 7 is a view through line 7-7 on figure 6; Figure 8 is a side view of the guttering system with the gutter moving towards its second position; Figure 9 is a plan section view of the guttering system according to a third embodiment wherein a collection means is located at the junction of two 15 roof surfaces; and Figure 10 is a side view of figure 9. Best Mode(s) for Carrying out the Invention Referring to figures 1 and 5, the invention according to the first embodiment is in the form of a guttering system 11. In this embodiment, the guttering system 11 20 comprises two gutters 13 each rotatably secured adjacent a lower edge 15 of a roof surface 17. It is however, understood that the guttering system 11 may comprise any number of gutters 13. Each gutter 13 is rotatably secured adjacent a roof surface 17 by support means -7 19 such that the gutter 13 is rotatable between a first position, wherein the gutter 13 is in a traditional orientation having an opening 25 facing upwards, as shown in figure 1, and a second position, wherein the opening 25 of the gutter 13 is orientated so as not to receive any material from the roof surface 17, as shown in 5 figure 2. According to the first embodiment, the support means 19 comprises a plurality of pivot brackets 21 spaced at intervals adjacent the lower edge 15 of the roof surface 17. The support means 19 also comprises a rod 23a supported in the opening 25 of the gutter 13 and travelling along the longitudinal extent of the 10 gutter 13 to provide a rotational axis, as best shown in figures 3 and 4. When assembled, the rod 23a is pivotally supported on the pivot brackets 21, as best shown in figure 4. The guttering system 11 also comprises a rotation means 27 for rotating the gutter between the first and second positions. The rotation means 27 comprises 15 a pulley system 29 incorporating a pulley 31 and a rope 33. As shown in figure 5, the pulley 31 is formed integrally with the gutter 13 so as to provide a cylindrical section 35. The rope 33 is guided around the cylindrical section 35, and extends to a suitable height for manual operation at ground level. The rope 33 may be tied off so as to hold the gutter 13 in the desired position. As can be 20 seen in figure 5 the pulley system 29 is formed at an intermediary position of the gutter 13. Referring to figures 1 and 2, the guttering system 11 also comprises a collection means 41 in the form of a collection box 43 and down pipe 45 (not shown). The collection means 41 is located at an end of the gutter 13 whereby the material 25 collected from the roof surface 17 is feed to the collection means 41. In the figures, the collection means 41 is located at the junction of two roof surfaces 17 and has two gutters 13 feeding material thereto. The collection box 43 is covered by mesh 47 so as to prevent any debris entering the collection box 43. When the mesh 47 is in place, the surface provided falls 30 away from the building so that any debris fed to the collection means 41 is -8 collected on the mesh 47 and is induced to fall away from the building to the ground. In operation each gutter 13 may be caused to move between the first and second positions by the operation of each gutters pulley system 29. 5 Referring to figures 6 to 10, the invention, according to a second and third embodiment, is in the form of a guttering system 11. The guttering system 11 shown is similar to that shown in the first embodiment and like numbers are used to describe like components. As you will note in figures 6 to 10 the profile of each gutter 13 is of the traditional configuration. 10 In this embodiment the support means 19 comprises a plurality of support brackets 23b supported in the opening 25 of each gutter 13, and spans thereacross. Each support bracket 23b is positioned such that when assembled, each support bracket 23b aligns with and is rotatably supported with respect to each pivot bracket 21. 15 Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the 20 exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims (19)

1. A gutter system comprising at least one length of gutter supported adjacent a lower edge of a surface for collecting material therefrom, the gutter is movable between a first position, wherein material flowing across the surface is received in the gutter, to a second position wherein no material is retained therein, comprising a support means for rotatably supporting the gutter with respect to a structure, such as a building, wherein the support means rotatably secures the gutter to the structure such that the gutter rotates about the support means, the support means defining an axis of rotation, the support means extending along the length of the gutter and is positioned in or adjacent the gutter opening, so as to substantially prevent twisting of the gutter as the gutter moves between the first position and second position.

2. The gutter system according to claim 1 wherein the first position of the gutter is angularly spaced from the second position in which an opening of the gutter is substantially inverted.

3. The gutter system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the gutter is movable to a third position whereby the gutter receives material which flows across the surface, but does not retain the material therein.

4. The gutter system according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the support means comprises a plurality of pivot brackets secured to the building, and spaced at intervals along the lower edge of the surface.

5. The gutter system according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4 wherein the support means further comprises a plurality of support brackets secured to and spaced at intervals along the gutter.

6. The gutter system according to claim 5 wherein the support brackets span across the opening of the gutter, each support bracket being adapted to align with and be received upon a pivot bracket, such that when assembled the gutter may rotate relative thereto.

7. The gutter system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the support means comprises a rod supported in the opening of the -10 gutter and spanning along a longitudinal extent thereof so as to provide the rotational axis.

8. The gutter system according to claim 7 wherein the rod is received upon the pivot brackets, such that when assembled the gutter may rotate relative thereto.

9. The gutter system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the guttering system comprises rotation means to rotate the gutter between the first and second positions.

10.The gutter system according to claim 9 wherein the rotation means is in the form of a pulley system whereby rotation of the pulley causes the gutter to rotate to the desired position.

11.The gutter system according to claim 10 wherein the pulley system is integrally formed with the gutter.

12.The gutter system according to claim 10, or 11 wherein the pulley system comprises a cylindrical section around which a rope is supported.

13.The gutter system according to claim 10, 11 or 12 wherein the pulley system is lockable such that the gutter can be retained in the desired position.

14.The gutter system according to any one of claims 9 to 13 wherein the rotation means is automated or manually operable.

15.The gutter system according to claim 14 wherein a control means is used to automate the rotation means.

16.The gutter system according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a collection means into which the gutter directs water.

17.The gutter system according to claim 16 wherein the collection means comprises a downpipe having a collection box at the top thereof, the collection box having a mesh material spanning across its opening, and of a configuration -11 such that the mesh material provides a surface which falls away from the house.

18.The gutter system according to claim 16 wherein the collection means comprises a conventional type of downpipe assembly whereby an aperture in the gutter aligns and mates with a downpipe when the gutter is in the first position.

19.A guttering system as substantially herein described with reference to the drawings.