U.S. patent application number 10/221277 was filed with the patent office on 2003-08-28 for device for a valley gutter for a roof.
Invention is credited to Hutton, Ross Clive.
Application Number | 20030159365 10/221277 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25646273 |
Filed Date | 2003-08-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030159365 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hutton, Ross Clive |
August 28, 2003 |
Device for a valley gutter for a roof
Abstract
A device (122) for a valley gutter of a roof, the device
comprising side wall portions for defining a flow for water
therebetween and support portions (124, 126) for supporting the
device on a roof over the valley gutter.
Inventors: |
Hutton, Ross Clive;
(Belbowrie, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVIS & BUJOLD, P.L.L.C.
FOURTH FLOOR
500 N. COMMERCIAL STREET
MANCHESTER
NH
03101-1151
US
|
Family ID: |
25646273 |
Appl. No.: |
10/221277 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
March 7, 2001 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU01/00237 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/13 ; 52/198;
52/58 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 1/36 20130101; E04D
2013/0454 20130101; E04D 2001/304 20130101; E04D 13/0445
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/13 ; 52/198;
52/58 |
International
Class: |
E04D 013/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 8, 2000 |
AU |
PQ 6121 |
Oct 27, 2000 |
AU |
PR 1075 |
Claims
1. A device for a valley gutter of a roof, the device comprising
side wall portions with a plurality of openings and a cover portion
extending therebetween for defining a flow path for water and
support portions for supporting the device on a roof over a valley
gutter with each support portion including a flexible member for
supporting a roof covering component
2. The device as claimed in claim 1 including abutment portions for
abutting with end portions of roof covering components.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the cover portion
is substantially flat.
4. The device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the cover portion
includes a plurality of apertures.
5. The device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the openings are
adapted to filter debris from rain water passing therethrough.
6. The device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the openings comprise
slots oriented cross-wise to the longitudinal axis of the
device.
7. The device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the openings comprise
slots oriented in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the
device.
8. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 7 wherein the side wall
portions are inclined outwardly with respect to the cover
portion.
9. The device as claimed in claim 8 wherein the side wall portions
and cover portion form an inverted channel.
10. The device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the support portions
includes legs.
11. The device as claimed in claim 10 wherein the legs include
feet.
12. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 11 wherein each support
portions comprises a lateral portion extending from a lower end of
each side wall portion.
13. A device as claimed in claim 12 wherein each side wall portion
comprises straight walls with a plurality of rows of openings.
14. The device as claimed in claim 13 wherein the plurality of rows
of openings comprise a plurality of vertical louvres.
15. The device as claimed in claim 14 wherein each side wall
portion comprises a substantially straight side wall with upwardly
inclined lateral wall portions.
16. The device as claimed in claim 15 wherein each flexible member
comprises a foam pad.
17. The device as claimed in claim 16 wherein each flexible member
comprises any one of a strip of: foam, plastic or rubber
material.
18. The device as claimed in claim 17 wherein each flexible member
is compressible and is attached to an upper surface of each lateral
wall portion.
19. The device as claimed in claim 18 wherein each lateral wall
portion includes a foot portion located on a lower surface
thereof.
20. The device as claimed in claim 21 wherein each lateral wall
portion comprises an outer upwardly directed lip which is adapted
to retain the adjacent flexible member on the adjacent lateral wall
portion.
21. The device as claimed in claim 20 wherein each lateral wall
portion is angled slightly upwardly with respect to a horizontal
axis when located on a roof valley gutter.
22. The device as claimed in claim 21 wherein each roof portion
comprises a pad comprising any one of: foam, plastic or rubber.
23. The device as claimed in claim 22 wherein the device includes a
cover strip attachable to the cover.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to valley gutters of rooves.
The present invention also relates to roof tiles slates, shingles,
sheet metal roofs and like roof covering materials, and their
location adjacent a valley gutter of a roof.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Roof covering materials are typically attached to a roof
structure by the use of timber or metal battens. These battens are
typically nailed or screwed to the rafters/truss top cords of the
roof structure, parallel to the fascia/gutter, at a gauge suitable
to the roof covering material's longitudinal length. The roof
covering materials are then attached to these battens, typically by
use of nails or screws; however, in the case of the roof tiles and
slates, there are many product specific clips which are also used.
A hole is usually formed in roof tiles or slates prior to the tiles
or slates being nailed to a batten, the hole typically being
positioned centrally at the top of the tile in a position suitable
for attachment to the batten. A single roof tile, slate or shingle
typically spans across two adjacent, approximately parallel
tile/slate/shingle battens and the tile, slate or shingle is
typically nailed to the upper of the two tile/slate/shingle
battens. A roof iron typically also spans across two adjacent,
approximately parallel battens; although, the roof iron is
typically nailed to both of the adjacent battens at a number of
locations along the length of the roof iron.
[0003] Roof tiles, slates or shingles are typically laid by laying
them side by side in rows, on the same two adjacent battens so that
they extend in a straight line. Each tile, slate or shingle is
positioned so that one of its longitudinal edges overlaps a
longitudinal edge of the adjacent tile, slate or shingle. The row
of tiles, slates or shingles which spans between the two lowest
tile/slate/shingle battens is typically laid first and subsequent
rows are laid by moving progressively up the roof, in a direction
which is transverse to the longitudinal axes of the
tile/slate/shingle battens. An upper row of tiles, slates or
shingles is positioned relative to an adjacent lower row of tiles,
slates or shingles so that lower ends of the upper row of tiles,
slates or shingles overlap upper ends of the lower row of tiles,
slates or shingles.
[0004] Roof irons are laid in a manner which is similar to the
above description relating to roof tiles, slates or shingles;
although a single roof iron is typically much longer in length than
a single roof tile, slate or shingle.
[0005] Longitudinal axes of battens slope in accordance with a
designed slope of a roof in a direction which is aligned with the
longitudinal axes of the battens, while the transverse axes of
battens slope generally in accordance with the desired slope of a
roof in a direction which is aligned with longitudinal axes of the
rafters. Differently sloping regions of a roof meet to form either
a ridge, hip or valley gutter. Valley battens extend along the
longitudinal length of a valley gutter, either side of the valley
gutter and intersect the battens which extend downwardly toward the
valley gutter. The valley gutter typically includes a sheet of
metal known as a valley iron which extends between the valley
battens and along the length of the valley battens. The valley iron
slopes downwardly from each valley batten, toward a region which is
approximately midway between the valley battens. Outer longitudinal
edge regions of the valley iron extend upwardly to form upwardly
directed extensions. Outer surfaces of the upwardly directed
extensions typically abut the valley battens.
[0006] The roof covering materials are positioned on the roof so
that the differently sloping regions of the roof which extend
toward each other to form a valley gutter, do not actually meet.
That is, lower edges of the roofing covering materials which are
positioned relative to each other to form a valley gutter, are
spaced apart to enable water to flow downwardly beyond lower edges
of the roof covering materials and onto an upper surface of the
valley iron. The valley iron typically slopes downwardly from one
of its ends to the other of its ends so that water which flows into
the valley gutter flows in a downward direction along the length of
the valley iron and off the roof.
[0007] If high winds are present during rain, water which is
deposited onto the valley iron can be forced toward the upwardly
directed extensions. In certain situations, the combination of rain
and wind can be such that water is forced upwardly over the upper
longitudinal edges of the valley iron and into the roof. Water can
enter the roof either by passing over the valley battens and/or by
passing between outer surfaces of the upwardly directed extensions
of the valley irons and surfaces of the valley battens which the
valley irons abut. Water is typically also absorbed into the valley
battens.
[0008] Roof tiles and slates pose another problem in the region
proximal a valley gutter, to that described above relating to water
entering the roof space via a valley gutter. Some of the roof tiles
or slates which extend into the valley gutter, beyond the valley
batten, are required to be cut so that tiles or slates extending
downwardly and inwardly toward a central region of the valley
gutter, which extends along the longitudinal length of the valley
gutter, do not meet. The tiles or slates are typically cut along a
line known as the cut line. The resulting gap between tiles or
slates extending downwardly and inwardly from either side of the
valley gutter enables water to flow downwardly onto the valley iron
which extends along the longitudinal length of the valley gutter,
beneath the tiles or slates which extend downwardly beyond the
valley batten.
[0009] The process of cutting the tiles or slates along the cut
line results in portions of tiles or slates being positioned along
either side of the valley gutter. The portions are typically
corner, triangular portions and these portions can be so small that
a corner of the tile or slates rests on the valley batten and the
remainder of the tile or slates extends beyond the valley batten so
that the majority of the tile or slate is unsupported by either the
valley batten or a tile/slate batten. Because slate is brittle and
because most tiles are typically formed of a brittle material,
tiles and slates can typically only be nailed through the hole
which is provided centrally at one end of the tile or slate or
fastened by other conventional means. Therefore, when only a corner
of a tile or slate extends upwardly beyond the valley batten, the
tile or slate typically cannot be nailed or clipped to either the
tile/slate batten or the valley batten. These unattached tiles or
slates are therefore only held in position by the weight of
overlaid tiles or slates and as such are prone to being out of
alignment with tiles or slates secured to battens, as well as
sliding out of position with expansion and contraction of the roof.
The worst scenario is that they become dislodged completely,
sliding out into the middle of the valley iron.
[0010] It is therefore desirable to provide a method and/or device
which is suitable for at least partially addressing (a) the problem
of water passing over an upper edge of a valley iron and into the
roof space of a roof; and/or (b) one or more of the aforementioned
problems associated with unattached tiles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method
of locating a roof tile adjacent a valley gutter of a roof, the
valley gutter of a roof being formed by the intersection of two
differently sloping portions of a roof that intersect so as to form
a valley, the method comprising the step of:
[0012] (a) abutting a lower edge of the sloping roof tile with
abutment means to prevent the sloping roof tile from sliding
downwardly toward the valley gutter.
[0013] The method of the first aspect of the present invention may
further include the step of supporting part of a sloping roof tile
proximal a lower edge of the sloping roof tile.
[0014] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a device
for locating a roof tile adjacent a valley gutter of a roof, the
valley gutter of a roof being formed by the intersection of two
differently sloping portions of a roof that intersect so as to form
a valley, the device comprising abutment means for abutting a lower
edge of a sloping roof tile, and locating means for locating the
abutment means in a valley gutter wherein, wherein the abutment
means is arranged to extend along at least part of the longitudinal
length of a valley gutter.
[0015] The device of the second aspect of the present invention may
further include a support means for supporting part of a roof
tile.
[0016] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method
of at least partially minimising passage of liquid into a roof
space via the valley gutter of the roof, the valley gutter being
formed by the intersection of two differently sloping portions of a
roof that intersect so as to form a valley, the method comprising
the steps of:
[0017] (a) providing wind prevention means having spaced apart
walls, the spaced apart walls being arranged to locate in a valley
gutter, between lower opposite edges of the sloping roof covering
materials which extend along opposite sides of the valley gutter,
the wind prevention means being arranged to at least partially
minimise wind blowing into a space between the roof covering
materials and valley gutter and subsequently forcing liquid which
is contained in the valley gutter into the roof space;
[0018] (b) locating the wind prevention means in the valley gutter
between the lower opposite edges of the sloping roof covering
materials.
[0019] The method of the third aspect of the present invention may
include the step of abutting lower opposite edges of the sloping
roof covering materials which extend along opposite sides of the
valley gutter with outer surfaces of the spaced apart walls.
[0020] The method of the third aspect of the present invention may
include the step of providing support means, the support means
being arranged to support part of single units of the roof covering
materials proximal a lower edge of the sloping roof covering
materials.
[0021] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a device
for at least partially minimising passage of liquid into a roof
space via the valley gutter of the roof, the valley gutter being
formed by the intersection of two differently sloping portions of a
roof that intersect so as to form a valley, the device comprising
wind prevention means having spaced apart walls, the spaced apart
walls being arranged to locate in a valley gutter, between lower
edges of the sloping roof covering materials which extend along
opposite sides of the valley gutter, the wind prevention means
being arranged to at least partially minimise wind blowing into a
space between the roof covering material and valley gutter and
subsequently forcing liquid which is contained in the valley gutter
into the roof space.
[0022] Outer surfaces of the spaced apart walls of the fourth
aspect of the present invention may be arranged to abut lower edges
of the sloping roof covering materials which extend opposite sides
of the valley gutter.
[0023] The wind prevention means of the fourth aspect of the
present invention may include support means which is arranged to
support single units of the roof covering materials proximal a
lower edge of the sloping roof covering materials.
[0024] The locating means may comprise an elongated member.
[0025] The abutment member may comprise an abutment wall of the
elongated member.
[0026] The width of the wall is preferably such that an upper end
of the abutment wall extends beyond an upper surface of the lower
edge of the sloping roof covering material, when the elongated
member is positioned in the valley gutter so that it extends along
at least part of the longitudinal length of the valley gutter and
in the case of a roof tile or slate, when an underneath surface of
the sloping roof tile is supported by the support means.
[0027] The abutment means of the first and second aspects of the
present invention, and spaced apart walls of the wind prevention
means may comprise two abutment walls of the elongated member which
are positioned opposite each other and arranged to abut opposite
lower edges of roof covering components which extend along opposite
sides of a valley gutter.
[0028] The opposed abutment walls which are positioned opposite
each other may be connected by a transverse wall having openings
therein, the transverse wall extending between corresponding ends
of the abutment walls.
[0029] The opposed abutment walls may also have openings formed
therein.
[0030] The support means may comprise a protrusion.
[0031] The protrusion may extend along the longitudinal length of
the elongated member.
[0032] Alternatively, the support means may comprise a strap, a
longitudinal axis of the strap being substantially aligned with a
longitudinal axis of the elongated member.
[0033] The strap may extend along the longitudinal length of the
elongated member.
[0034] The support means may comprise two straps, each strap
extending substantially transversely of one of the opposed abutment
walls.
[0035] In another alternative form, a contacting strap may extend
laterally of the abutment wall, from a first longitudinal edge of
the abutment wall, a first surface of the contacting strap which is
substantially parallel with a plane that contains the longitudinal
and transverse axes of the contacting strap being arranged to
contact an upper surface of a valley iron which extends at least
part way along the length of the valley gutter.
[0036] Edge regions of the contacting strap which are distil the
abutment wall may be arranged to extend upwardly, away from the
upper surface of the valley iron.
[0037] The support means may comprise a resiliently flexible member
which extends from the abutment wall.
[0038] The resiliently flexible member may be formed of high
density foam rubber or like materials and may attach to an upper
surface of the contacting strap.
[0039] The resiliently flexible member may be formed in the shape
of a prism, pyramid, cylinder, cone, sphere, a solid figure which
is a combination of any one or more such solid figures, or any
other solid figure.
[0040] The support means may further comprise a supporting wall
which may extend substantially transversely relative to the strap,
from an underneath surface of the strap, a free edge of the
supporting wall which is distal an intersection region where the
supporting wall and strap intersect being arranged to contact part
of the valley gutter when the elongated member is positioned in the
valley gutter so that it extends along at least part of the
longitudinal length of the valley gutter.
[0041] The supporting wall may extend along the longitudinal length
of the strap.
[0042] The supporting wall may extend from a region of the strap
which is closer to an edge of the strap which abuts the abutment
wall of the elongated member than the other edge of the strap.
[0043] The strap may extend from the first longitudinal edge of the
abutment wall so that the abutment wall and supporting wall extend
away from each other, from opposite sides of the strap.
Alternatively, the support means may comprise an angled strap, the
angled strap comprising first and second straps which extend at an
angle relative to each other and the longitudinal axis of the
angled strap being substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis
of the elongated member, the first strap extending outwardly of the
abutment wall and a free edge of the second strap which is distal
an intersection region where the first and second straps intersect
being adapted to contact part of a valley gutter when the elongated
member is positioned in the valley gutter so that it extends along
at least part of the longitudinal length of the valley gutter.
[0044] The angled strap may be orientated so that the intersection
region is distal the abutment wall from which the first strap
extends.
[0045] The elongated member and abutment wall are preferably
integrally formed.
[0046] The abutment wall preferably extends along the longitudinal
length of the elongated member.
[0047] The protrusion, strap and first strap may extend from the
abutment wall, from a region which is closer the first longitudinal
edge of the wall than the second longitudinal edge. Alternatively,
the protrusion, strap and first strap may extend from the abutment
wall, from a region which is closer the second longitudinal edge of
the abutment wall than the first longitudinal edge. The transverse
wall preferably extends between the second longitudinal edges of
the opposed abutment walls.
[0048] Openings may be formed in the opposed abutment walls,
between second longitudinal edges of the opposed abutment walls and
the protrusion, strap or first strap.
[0049] The angled strap is preferably orientated relative to the
elongated member so that the second strap extends away from both
the first strap and the second longitudinal edge of the abutment
wall.
[0050] The opposed abutment walls of the elongated member are
preferably inclined relative to each other so that the first
longitudinal edges of the opposed abutment walls are separated by a
greater amount than the second longitudinal edges.
[0051] The locating means may further comprise one or more locating
straps which extend substantially transversely of a plane which
contains the abutment wall, the length of the locating straps being
sufficient to enable an end of the locating straps which is distal
the elongated member to be attached to a proximal batten which is
proximal the valley gutter.
[0052] The one or more locating straps preferably extend from a
region of the abutment wall which substantially coincides with a
plane that contains an upper surface of the proximal valley
batten.
[0053] The one or more locating straps preferably extend from the
first strap and are preferably substantially aligned with a plane
that contains the first strap.
[0054] The locating straps are preferably positioned along the
elongated member so that they are separated by predetermined
distances. The locating straps may be separated by approximately 1
m. The spacing between adjacent locating straps may vary along the
longitudinal length of the elongated member. Locating straps which
extend from a central region of the elongated member which is
positioned centrally along the longitudinal length of the elongated
member, may be separated by a greater distance than locating straps
which extend from end regions of the elongated member which are
positioned at either end of the elongated member. Each locating
strap may be aligned with a corresponding locating strap that
extends from the opposite opposed abutment wall.
[0055] The elongated member, strap, protrusion, angled strap, and
locating strap may each be resiliently flexible.
[0056] Surfaces of the abutment wall, strap, protrusion, and angled
strap which are arranged, in use, to contact a surface of the roof
covering material may be adapted to reduce slippage between said
surfaces and the roof covering material. For example, said surfaces
may be roughened or may have a material attached thereto for this
purpose.
[0057] The openings in the transverse and opposed walls may be
arranged for passage of liquid through the transverse wall while
restricting the passage therethrough of materials such as
leaves.
[0058] First and second protrusion members which are positioned
opposite each other may extend outwardly of each of the abutment
walls, either side of the respective upper and lower surfaces of
the roof covering material, the first and second protrusion members
being arranged to support the elongated member.
[0059] Each of the first and second protrusion members may be
formed of a plurality of protrusion members which are spaced apart
along the length of the elongated member.
[0060] The first and second protrusion members may extend along the
longitudinal length of the elongated member. The first and second
protrusion members may function to hold the device in the valley
gutter particularly if the device is arranged to be suspended in
the valley gutter, above a valley iron of the valley gutter.
[0061] The phrase "roof covering materials" when used throughout
the description and claims refers to any one or more of the
following and any one or more other items that may be used to cover
a roof: roofing tiles, roofing shingles, roofing slates, roof
iron.
[0062] The phrase "single unit of the roof covering materials" when
used throughout the description and claims refers to a single roof
tile, and/or a single roof slate, and/or a single roof shingle,
and/or a single roof iron, and/or a single unit of any other item
that may be used to cover a roof.
[0063] According to another aspect of the present invention there
is provided a device for a valley gutter of a roof, the device
comprising side wall portions with a plurality of openings and a
cover portion extending therebetween for defining a flow path for
water and support portions for supporting the device on a roof over
a valley gutter with each support portion including a flexible
member for supporting a roof covering component.
[0064] Preferably the device includes abutment portions for
abutting with end portions of roof covering components, such as
tiles, corrugated iron, slats etc.
[0065] The device may define a channel, including the side wall
portions, which channel provides a flow path for water.
[0066] The device may include a cover portion which extends between
the side wall portions.
[0067] The cover portion preferably includes openings.
[0068] The cover portion is preferably generally horizontal when
the device is located over a valley gutter.
[0069] Preferably the openings are sized and/or shaped to filter
debris from rain water passing therethrough.
[0070] Preferably the openings comprise slots oriented cross wise
to the longitudinal axis of the device.
[0071] The device may be elongate.
[0072] Preferably the side wall portions are inclined outwardly
with respect to the cover portion.
[0073] The cover portion preferably is integrally formed with the
side walls.
[0074] The support portions preferably comprise legs.
[0075] The legs may have feet.
[0076] Preferably the support portions include lateral wall
portions for supporting a roof covering component.
[0077] The lateral wall portions are preferably located at the
bottom of the support portions and are adapted to rest on a valley
gutter.
[0078] Preferably the support portions comprise lower end portions
of the side wall portions.
[0079] Preferably the lateral wall portions include side support
portions.
[0080] Each side support portion is preferably adapted to support a
roof covering component.
[0081] Alternatively each side support portion comprises an
elongate member.
[0082] The elongate members are preferably located on an upper
surface of each lateral wall portion.
[0083] Each side support portion preferably comprises a flexible
member.
[0084] According to one embodiment each side support portion
comprises a plurality of flexible members for supporting a roof
covering component.
[0085] The or each flexible member may be made from a plastics
material.
[0086] According to one embodiment the or each flexible member
comprises a foam pad.
[0087] Each flexible member may be resiliently flexible.
[0088] Preferably each flexible member comprises a strip of foam or
rubber material.
[0089] It is preferred that the or each flexible member is attached
to an upper surface of each lateral wall portion.
[0090] It is preferred that each lateral wall portion includes a
foot located on a lower surface thereof.
[0091] According to one embodiment each foot comprises a pad made
of a plastics material.
[0092] Each foot may comprise a plurality of foot members located
along the length of the lateral wall portions.
[0093] It is preferred that each lateral wall includes an upwardly
extending edge wall against which each side wall portion is adapted
to be located.
[0094] It is preferred that each side support portion has
sufficient flexibility to allow roofing components oriented at
different angles to be support thereby with a minimum gap between
the lower surface of the roofing component and the upper surface of
the side support portions.
[0095] It is preferred that each side support portion is spaced
away from each side wall portion.
[0096] According to one embodiment each side wall portion comprises
a side wall having a plurality of openings adapted to substantially
reduce air flow into the channel located between the side wall
portions.
[0097] According to one embodiment the device is in the form of a
sheet of metal which is formed with a central peak with a channel
defined therebelow.
[0098] According to one embodiment the lateral wall portions
comprise side channels on either side of each side wall
portion.
[0099] According to another embodiment of the present invention the
legs comprise downwardly extending portions which support the side
wall portions at lower corners thereof.
[0100] According to another embodiment the device is in the form of
a frame with attachable side walls and top wall.
[0101] The attached wall, side walls and top wall preferably
include a plurality of holes.
[0102] The elongate members are preferably located on outwardly
extending portions.
[0103] Preferably the abutment portion comprises side channels.
[0104] Preferably the side channels include lateral ridges for
support of a roof covering.
[0105] Preferably the device is designed to minimise air flow
through the channel.
[0106] In the preceding summary of the invention, except where the
context requires otherwise, due to express language or necessary
implication, the words "comprising", "comprises" or "comprise" are
used in the sense of "including", that is the features specified
may be associated with further features in various embodiments of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0107] The preferred embodiment of the present invention will now
be described, by of example only, with reference to the accompany
drawings in which:
[0108] FIG. 1 is a plan view of roof tiles positioned either side
of a valley gutter;
[0109] FIG. 2 is a lateral sectional view of the valley gutter of
FIG. 1;
[0110] FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of a first embodiment of a
valley gutter device of the present invention;
[0111] FIG. 4 is a lateral sectional view of a valley gutter with
the valley gutter device of FIG. 3 inserted in the valley
gutter;
[0112] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the valley gutter device of FIGS. 3
and 4;
[0113] FIG. 6 shows a front sectional view of a valley gutter
device according to a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0114] FIG. 7 shows the valley gutter device of FIG. 6 inserted in
a valley gutter;
[0115] FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the valley gutter device shown
in FIGS. 6 and 7;
[0116] FIG. 9 shows a front sectional view of a valley gutter
device according to a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0117] FIG. 10 shows the valley gutter device of FIG. 9 when
located in a valley gutter;
[0118] FIG. 11 shows a plan view of the valley gutter device shown
in FIGS. 9 and 10;
[0119] FIG. 12 shows a front sectional view of a valley gutter
device according to a fourth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0120] FIG. 13 shows the valley gutter device shown in FIG. 12 when
located in a valley gutter;
[0121] FIG. 14 shows a plan view of the valley gutter device shown
in FIGS. 12 and 13;
[0122] FIG. 15a shows a front sectional view of a valley gutter
device according to a fifth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0123] FIG. 15b shows a front sectional view of a valley gutter
device according to a sixth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0124] FIG. 15c shows a front sectional view of the valley gutter
device shown in FIG. 15a in use in a valley gutter of a roof;
[0125] FIG. 16 shows an angled side view of a valley gutter device
having vertical slots in the side walls; and
[0126] FIG. 17 shows an angled side view of a valley gutter device
having horizontal slots in the side walls.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0127] Referring to FIG. 1, valley battens 10 and 12 extend
longitudinally down either side of a valley gutter 14. The valley
battens 10 and 12 extend at an angle of approximately 45.degree.
from a left hand corner of the page of FIG. 1 diagonally and
upwardly toward a top right hand corner of the page of FIG. 1.
Tile/slate battens intersect the valley batten 10 and extend to the
left hand side of the valley batten 10. In plan view, as shown in
FIG. 1, the tile/slate battens 16-26 appear as substantially
horizontal beams. However, the tile/slate battens 16-26 actually
slope downwardly with the pitch of the roof face, in the direction
of arrow 27. The valley batten 10 is also sloping at the equivalent
pitch/fall. Tile/slate battens 28-38 are positioned on an opposing
roof face and are also sloping downwardly with the pitch/fall on
this roof face, in the direction of arrow 37. Both battens 16-26
and 28-38 intersect with valley battens 10 and 12 and are mitred
into the valley battens so that upper surfaces of battens 16-26 and
28-38 lie in the same plane as upper surfaces of battens 10 and 12
respectively. The tile/slate battens and valley battens of FIG. 1
are nailed to rafters (not shown) which are positioned beneath the
battens. The tile/slate battens 16-26 and 28-38, and the valley
battens 10 and 12 can slope at any desired angle which is required
to produce a roof having a particularly sloped regions. The battens
of FIG. 1 therefore provide one particular example of the
occurrence of a valley gutter 14.
[0128] The rafters (not shown) which support the tile/slate battens
16-26 of FIG. 1 slope upwardly in moving from the tile/slate batten
16 through to the tile/slate batten 26. When laying tiles on the
tile/slate battens 16-26, tiles are therefore laid firstly spanning
battens 16 and 18 to produce a row of tiles which extends along the
roof spanning battens 16 and 18 and tiles are laid lastly spanning
battens 24 and 26. Tiles 40, 42 and 44 are shown positioned
spanning battens 20 and 22. Tile 40 is laid first and is nailed to
batten 22 via a hole which is positioned centrally, toward an upper
end of the tile 40. A lower right hand region of tile 40 extends
downwardly beyond the valley batten 10. Tile 42 is laid between
tile/slate battens 20 and 22, adjacent tile 40 so that a right hand
edge of tile 42,as seen in FIG. 1, is positioned over a left hand
edge of tile 40 (also as seen in FIG. 1), so that adjacent edges of
tiles 40 and 42 overlap. Tile 42 is then similarly nailed to the
tile/slate batten 22 by driving a nail through a hole which is
positioned centrally, toward an upper end of the tile 42. The lower
right hand corner of tile 42 extends downwardly beyond a valley
batten 10. The lower right hand corner of the tile 42 which extends
beyond the valley batten 10 is smaller than the right hand region
of the tile 40 which similarly extends downwardly beyond the valley
batten 10. Tile 44 is laid in a similar manner to that described in
relation to tile 42 so that its longitudinal edge overlaps an
adjacent longitudinal edge of tile 42.
[0129] After a row of tiles has been laid utilizing tile/slate
battens 20 and 22, a row of tiles is then laid utilizing tile/slate
battens 22 and 24. Referring to FIG. 1, tiles 46-52 are laid
utilizing tiles/slate battens 22 and 24 in a similar manner to that
described up in relation to tiles 40-44. The longitudinal length of
the tiles 40-52 is such that a lower end of tiles 46-52 overlap an
upper end of tiles 40-44, when the tiles 46-52 are nailed to the
tile/slate batten 24 in a similar manner to that described above in
relation to the nailing of tiles 40-44 to tile/slate battens 22. A
lower right hand region of the tile 46 extends downwardly beyond
the valley batten 10 in a similar manner to that described above in
relation to tile 40 and a small right hand corner of tile 48
extends downwardly beyond the valley batten 10 in a similar manner
to that described above in relation to the tile 42.
[0130] Tiles are similarly laid utilizing tile/slate battens 28-38
so that tiles extend inwardly toward each other from opposite sides
of the valley gutter 14. The tiles are cut along a cut line 54 to
provide an opening between the tiles which extend from either side
of the valley gutter 14 and also so that a straight edge is
provided along the longitudinal length of the valley gutter, on
both sides of the valley gutter. In cutting the tiles 40 and 46
along the cut line 54, lower right hand corners, as viewed in FIG.
1, of tiles 40 and 46 are removed. A region 56 which lies between
lower transverse edges of tiles 46 and 48, a longitudinal edge of
tile 40 and the cut line 54 is not covered with a tile. A tile is
therefore required to be cut to the dimensions of the region 56 so
that it can be placed in such a region to provide a complete
covering of roof tiles down to the cut line 54.
[0131] Only a top left hand corner of tile which is cut to
correspond to the region 56 is able to contact the valley batten
10. Unless the tile which is cut to correspond to region 56 is made
of bitumen it is not able to be nailed through the top left hand
corner because such a process would result in the piece of tile
fracturing due to its brittle nature. (Tiles are typically formed
out of concrete, terracotta, bitumen, slate or synthetic material
and for tiles not formed from bitumen, they are typically required
to be nailed through holes which are formed in the tiles during the
process of forming the tiles.) A cut tile is therefore typically
attached back to the nearest secured tile(s) by gluing the cut tile
to the nearest one or more secured tiles. Because the small tiles
such as those which are cut to correspond to the region 56 are not
supported at an end which is suspended over the valley gutter 14,
they are prone to falling downwardly onto the valley iron which
extends across the width of the valley gutter and along the
longitudinal length of the valley gutter 14.
[0132] Referring to FIG. 2, tiles 58 and 60 extend inwardly toward
each other from opposite sides of a valley gutter 14. Lower edges
62 and 64 of the tiles 58 and 60 respectively are suspended above
the valley iron 66. The lower opposed edges 62 and 64 of the tiles
58 and 60 respectively are formed by cutting the tiles along the
cut line 54 of FIG. 1. Water flowing over the tiles of FIG. 2 flows
downwardly toward lower opposed edges 62 an 64 of the tiles 58 and
60 respectively and onto the valley iron 66. The valley iron 66 is
supported by valley boards 68 and 70 and the valley boards 68 and
70 are supported by a valley rafter 72. A longitudinal axis of the
valley rafter 72 is other than substantially horizontal to enable
water which flows off the roof tiles 58 and 60 and onto the valley
iron 66, to flow along the longitudinal length of the valley iron
66 and into a gutter which is typically positioned around the
periphery of a roof.
[0133] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 a valley gutter device 74 is
designed to locate in the valley gutter 14 so that it is positioned
on an upper surface of the valley iron 66 and extends along at
least part of the longitudinal length of the valley gutter 14. The
device 74 comprises an elongated member, one example of which is
the central elongated member 75, and locating straps, one example
of which is straps 94 and 96 which extend transversely of the
central elongated member 75. The central elongated member 75 may be
extruded from plastic and may also be fabricated from plastic or
metal. The straps 94 and 96 may also be formed of plastic or metal
and may be welded to the central elongated member 75. The central
elongated member 75 is approximately 3 m in length. The central
elongated member 75 comprises a central large channel 76 and two
outer small channels 78 and 80. The channels 76-80 are inverted
channels, each channel having two side walls and an upper wall
which connects the two side walls. An upper wall 82 of the large
central channel 76 is substantially horizontal and two side walls
84 of the large central channel 76 are splayed outwardly relative
to each other so that the lower edges of the walls 84 are spaced
apart by a greater amount than the upper edges. Upper walls 86 and
88 of the two small outer channels 78 and 80 respectively extend
transversely of the side walls 84 of the larger central channel 76.
The walls 86 and 88 extend from the lower half of the side walls
84. Side walls 90 and 92 of the outer smaller channels 78 and 80
respectively are splayed slightly outwardly of the side walls 84 of
the central large channel 76 so that the lower edges of the walls
90 and 92, and the lower edges of the adjacent walls 84 are
separated by a greater amount than the upper edges of the walls 90
and 92, and regions of the walls 84 where the transverse walls 86
and 88 intersect the walls 84. Lower edges of the outer walls 90
and 92 are not horizontally aligned with lower edges of adjacent
side walls 84 of the larger central channel 76, but are positioned
above the lower edges of the adjacent side walls 84. Such relative
positioning of the lower edges of the side walls 84, and 90 and 92
enables lower edges of each of the side walls to contact an upper
surface of a valley iron which typically slopes upwardly from a
central lower most region which extends along the longitudinal
length of the valley gutter 14.
[0134] The straps 94 and 96, extend outwardly from transverse walls
86 and 88 of the small outer channels 78 and 80 respectively. The
straps 94 and 96 are approximately 0.6 mm thick, approximately 20
mm wide and approximately 300 mm long. The straps 94 and 96 are
substantially aligned and extend from either side of the extruded
member approximately every one metre along the longitudinal length
of the extruded member 74.
[0135] Referring to FIG. 4, a valley gutter device 74 is positioned
in a valley gutter 14 by aligning longitudinal axes of the outer
small channels 78 and 80, and the large central channel 76 with a
longitudinal axis of the valley gutter 14. The device 74 is then
positioned in the valley gutter 14 by centrally locating the device
74 across the width of the valley gutter 14 and lowering the device
74 so that lower ends walls 90 and 92 and 84 contact an upper
surface of the valley iron 66. The location of the device 74 is
adjusted so that the central lower most region of the valley iron
66 is roughly centrally positioned between the side walls 84 of the
central large channel 76. Ends of the straps 94 and 96 are then
nailed to valley battens 10 and 12 which extend either side of the
valley gutter 14, along the longitudinal length of the valley
gutter 14. In this way the device 74 is securely located in the
valley gutter 14.
[0136] For valley gutters which are greater than 3 metres in length
valley gutter devices 74 are abutted end to end until they extend
along the full length of the valley gutter 14. When required, the
devices 74 can be cut to fit valley gutters having a longitudinal
length that is not a whole number multiple of the longitudinal
length of the device 74.
[0137] Referring to FIG. 5, the upper transverse wall 82 of the
central larger channel 76 has rectangular slots 98 which extend
transversely across the upper wall 82. A longitudinal portion of
the side walls 84, which lies between walls 82, and 86 and 88 also
has rectangular slots 99. Longitudinal axes of the rectangular
slots 99 are substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of
side walls 84. The slots are approximately 5 mm wide and are
separated from each other, along the longitudinal length of the
wall 82 by a distance of approximately 10 mm. The slots enable
water to pass through the upper transverse wall 82 and side walls
84 of the central large channel 76 while preventing entry to
objects such as leaves which, if found their way inside the large
central channel 76 could impair the flow of water along the valley
gutter 14.
[0138] With the valley gutter device 74 positioned along the
longitudinal length of a valley gutter 14 has described above,
upper surfaces of the transverse walls 86 and 88 of the outer small
channels 78 and 80 respectively provide a support for underneath
surfaces of outer, lower ends of tiles which are near the cut line
54. The transverse walls 86 and 88 therefore provide support to
ends of tiles which would other wise be suspended above the valley
iron 66. Cut tiles such as those which would be cut to correspond
to region 56 of FIG. 1 can therefore be appropriately located
simply by placing the tile in the corresponding region such that
one end of the tile is supported by a valley batten 10 or 12 and
another end of the cut tile is supported by transverse walls 86 or
88 respectively.
[0139] Side walls 84 of the central large channel 76 which extend
above the transverse walls 86 and 88 prevent the cut tiles from
sliding downwardly into the valley gutter 14. In this way a cut
tile can be located in a region which abuts the cut line simply by
placing the cut tile on the valley batten 10 or 12, and transverse
walls 86 or 88 respectively. Upper ends of the cut tiles are
therefore not required to be attached (typically via adhesive) to
the nearest secured tile. However, adhesive can still be used with
the device 74 if desired. Because upper ends of the cut tiles are
overlapped by adjacent tiles the cut tiles are locked in place by
the tile locating device 74. This is because if a cut tile were to
lift upwardly away from the valley iron 66 a lower right hand edge
of the cut tile which fits into the corner provided by the
intersection of transverse walls 86 and 88, and side walls 84 would
come into contact with the side wall 84. The other end of the cut
tile which is overlapped by the adjacent tiles is prevented from
lifting away from the valley batten because each of the tiles of
the roof are overlapped which results in the combined weight of the
tiles on the roof holding upper ends of lower cut tiles securely in
place.
[0140] With the tiles positioned on upper surfaces of the
transverse walls 86 and 88, wind must pass through the slots 98 and
99 in order for it to enter the space between the roof tiles and
the valley iron 66. By restricting the access of wind to the space
between the roof tiles and the valley iron 66, the valley gutter
device 74 is able to minimise or prevent water which flows along
the length of the valley iron 66 from being forced by wind which
flows into the valley gutter, upwardly and outwardly over the upper
outer edges of the valley iron 66 and into the roof space of the
roof which is covered by the roof tiles. If the valley gutter
device 74 was being used in a valley gutter of a roof that was
covered by roofing iron or shingles as opposed roof tiles or
slates, the outer small channels 78 and 80 would not be necessary
because the roof shingles or iron do not need to be supported the
way in which tiles or slates do at regions along the length of a
valley gutter. However, the valley gutter device 74 could be used
on rooves that are covered by roofing iron or shingles in a similar
manner to that in which it would be used roofing tiles as describe
in relation to FIG. 4. The transverse walls 86 and 88 of the outer
small channels 78 and 80 would simply extend laterally underneath a
lower surface of the roofing iron or roofing shingles rather than
roofing tiles.
[0141] Upper ends of a device 74 which are positioned at an upper
end of a valley gutter 14 are enclosed by a cap (not shown). Lower
ends of the device 74 are left open to enable water to flow
downwardly along the valley iron 66 and into a gutter (not shown)
which extends around the periphery of a roof.
[0142] For ease of explanation features of the valley gutter
devices of FIGS. 6-15 which correspond to similar features of the
valley gutter device of FIGS. 3-5 will be referred to using
identical reference numerals. Referring to FIGS. 6-8, the valley
gutter device 110 is identical to the valley gutter device 74 of
FIGS. 3-5 with the exception that the part of the width of the
walls 84 which extends between the upper wall 82 and the transverse
walls 86 and 88 is much reduced. This is because the valley gutter
device 110 is designed for use with bitumen tiles 200 which are
typically much thinner than other tiles. The width of the walls
which extend between walls 86 and 88, and the upper wall 82 is
slightly greater than the width of a typical bitumen tile.
[0143] Referring to FIGS. 9-11, another alternative valley gutter
device 112 is similar to the valley gutter device 74 of FIGS. 3-5
with the following exceptions. The walls 84 do not extend beneath a
lower surface of walls 86 and 88. Walls 90 and 92 extend downwardly
from a region of the walls 86 and 88 respectively which is part way
along the width of the walls 86 and 88. The walls 90 and 92
therefore do not extend downwardly from outer edges of the walls 86
and 88 which are distal to the walls 84. The walls 90 and 92 also
extend substantially transversely of the walls 86 and 88
respectively rather than extending relative to the walls 86 and 88
respectively so that the walls 90 and 92 are splayed outwardly
relative to the walls 84. The walls 90 and 92 extend from a region
of the walls 86 and 88 which is slightly closer to the walls 84
than outer edges of the walls 86 which are distal of the walls
84.
[0144] The upper transverse wall 82 has opposed rectangular slots
101 which extend transversely either side of a central strip 103
which extends centrally along the longitudinal length of the upper
wall 82 so that longitudinal axes of the central strip 103 and
upper wall 82 substantially coincide.
[0145] Referring to FIGS. 12-14, another alternative locating and
supporting valley gutter device 114 is similar to the valley gutter
device 112 of FIGS. 9-11 with the exception that the valley gutter
device 114 includes a cover strip 116 which attaches to the upper
transverse wall 82. The cover strip 116 comprises a sheet which is
approximately the same length as the upper wall 82 and pins 118
which extended downwardly from the sheet 117. The width of the
sheet 117 is approximately 6 mm thick and 120 mm wide. The width of
the sheet 117 is slightly greater than the width of the upper wall
82. Longitudinal axes of the pins 118 substantially coincide with a
longitudinal axes of the sheet 117 and the pins 118 are
approximately equidistantly spaced along the longitudinal length of
the sheet 117. Adjacent pins 118 are separated by approximately 600
mm. Lower ends of the pins 118 which are remote from the sheet 117
are pointed and are designed for insertion in appropriately
dimensioned holes 120 (see FIG. 11) which are formed in the central
strip 103 of the upper wall 82. The holes 120 are formed in the
upper wall 82 to approximately coincide with a longitudinal axis of
the upper wall 82 and the holes 120 are equidistantly spaced along
the longitudinal length of the upper wall 82 to correspond to the
spacing of the pins 118 of the cover strip 116. The cover strip 116
is attached to the upper wall 82 by inserting the pins 118 in the
holes 120.
[0146] The pointed ends of the pins 118 are resiliently flexible
and designed to deform upon insertion into the holes 120 and to
resume their initial shape after insertion through the holes 120.
In this way, the pointed ends, once inserted through the holes 120
expand and abut an underneath surface of the upper wall 82. A
region of the pins 118 which is proximal the pointed ends of the
pins 118 preferably has a diameter which is slightly larger than
the diameter of the holes 120 to prevent the pins 118 from being
inserted too far through the holes 120 and also to provide means by
which regions of the upper wall 82 which surround holes 120 can be
clamped between a lower surface of the enlarged diameter of the pin
118 and an upper surface of the pointed end of the pin 118. In this
way, the pin 118 can be clipped into the holes 120 in the upper
wall 82 of the valley gutter device 114. The longitudinal length of
the pins 118 is such that outer longitudinal edges of the sheet 117
are slightly above upper surfaces of tiles which are supported by
the valley gutter device 114, when the cover strip 116 is fitted to
the upper wall 82. After clipping the pins 118 into the holes 120,
the cover strip 116 can be securely attached to the central strip
103 of the upper wall 82 by screwing stainless steel self tapping
screws downwardly through the longitudinal axis of the sheet 117
and into the central strip 103 of the upper wall 82. The spacing in
between the stainless steel self tapping screws can be selected to
ensure the cover strip 116 is securely attached to the upper wall
82.
[0147] Referring to FIG. 14, the sheet 117 has rectangular slots
105 similar to rectangular slots 98 of FIGS. 5 and 8. Each
rectangular slot 99 of FIG. 14 extend from almost entirely across
the width of the sheet 117.
[0148] The cover strip 116 can be coloured to match the colour of
tiles which cover a roof.
[0149] FIGS. 15a and 15b show an alternative valley gutter device
according to a fifth and sixth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0150] In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 the device is
provided with slightly diverging side walls 84 which at their
bottom ends extend outwardly into lateral walls 124, 126 which
terminate in an upwardly extending lip 126 and 128.
[0151] The valley gutter device 122 also has two high density
lengths of foam 130 and 132 which have approximately rectangular
cross sections. The lengths of foam 130 and 132 are approximately
15 mm.times.20 mm. The lengths of foam 130 and 132 are attached to
upper surfaces of the walls 124 and 126 respectively so that the
lengths of foam 130 and 132 extend approximately 15 mm above the
upper surfaces of the walls 124 and 126 respectively. The foam
strips 130 and 132 can be attached to the walls 124 and 126 by any
appropriate means. However, the foam strips 130 and 132 would
typically be attached to the walls 124 and 126 respectively by an
appropriate adhesive. The bottom of walls 124 and 126 are provided
with foot pads 136 to reduce slippage between the side walls 124,
126 and the opposing valley gutter on which the device rests.
[0152] FIG. 15b shows a variation to the shape of the foam pads
130, 132 in which foam pads 140, 142 have top surfaces which are
angled downwardly from an inner side to an outer side adjacent rims
128. Thus the top surface of the foam pads may be angled to suit
the particular roof covering which is to be supported thereby.
[0153] FIG. 15c shows the valley gutter device 122 located over a
roof valley gutter and with tiles resting on the foam pads 130,
132. It is noted that the rim 128 serves to retain the foam pads on
the side walls 124, 126.
[0154] The valley gutter device 122 can be designed with slots
which are similar to the slots 98 and 99 of the valley gutter
device 74; however, the slots are not shown in FIG. 15. Slots which
correspond to the slots 99 of FIG. 5 can be formed in the walls 84
of the valley gutter device 122 so that they extend from outer
edges of the walls 84 approximately across the entire width of the
walls 84.
[0155] The valley gutter device 122 can also be designed with slots
that correspond to slots 101 of FIG. 11. The wall 82 of the valley
gutter device 122 can also have slots formed in it which correspond
to the slots 105 of FIG. 14. Finally, holes 120 can be formed in
the wall 82 of the valley gutter device 122, between slots
corresponding to slots 101 of FIG. 11 to enable a cover strip
corresponding to the cover strip 116 to be attached to the valley
gutter device 122.
[0156] The valley gutter device 122 shown in FIG. 16 has a series
of vertical slots 131 in each side wall 133. These slots may be in
the form of angled louvres or equivalent.
[0157] Optionally the top surface 134 is completely closed or
comprises a cover which fits over a slotted roof (not shown).
[0158] It is also noted that a top portion 135 of each side wall
132, 133 consists of a continuous wall with the slots extending
therebelow.
[0159] The rest of the valley gutter is similar to that shown in
FIGS. 15a and 15b, although the side walls may be vertical.
[0160] Each high density length of foam 130, 140 and 132, 142 may
be in the form of a strip, but preferably has enough flexibility or
softness to allow tiles resting thereon to be supported regardless
of whether they are angled slightly so that they are out of
alignment.
[0161] Because the foam 130, 140, 132, 142 is able to depress it is
able to absorb varying degrees of pressure resulting from different
tiles or sections of roof coverings being lower than adjacent
sections.
[0162] Both the foam 130, 140, 132, 142 and the foot pads 136 also
have the added advantage of reducing corrosion because they limit
direct contact with the metal surface of the valley gutter device
with which they are associated.
[0163] FIG. 17 shows another valley gutter device 143 in which
horizontally disposed slots 144 are provided instead of vertically
extending slots.
[0164] FIGS. 3-5, 6-8, 9-11, 12-14, and 15a, 15b and 15c show
alternative examples of a valley gutter device of the present
invention. The valley gutter devices as shown in FIGS. 3-15 are
suitable for reducing the amount of wind blowing into a space
between roof covering materials such as tiles, slates, shingles or
roof iron, and the valley iron of a valley gutter which extends
along the length the valley gutter of a roof. By reducing the
amount of wind which can enter the space between roof covering
materials and the valley iron, the tendency of wind to force water
which is running along the valley gutter upwardly over outside
edges of the valley iron and into the roof space can be reduced or
prevented. The valley gutter devices of FIGS. 3 and 5, 6 and 8, 9
and 11, 12 and 14, and 15a, 15b, and 15c can all be used in valley
gutters which are formed between tiles, slates, shingles or roof
iron. However, the aforementioned valley gutter devices of the
accompanying Figures are illustrated as positioned in a valley
gutter of a roof that is covered with tiles.
* * * * *