AU2018204683B2 - A device for use in securing gutter mesh - Google Patents

Abstract

A device which is operable to be used in securing gutter mesh relative an edge of a corrugated roof and where the roof edge extends at an angle to the direction of the roof corrugations anywhere between 0 and 900 is disclosed. The device comprises a fixing portion operable to be secured relative to at least one peak/ridge of the corrugated roof, with a portion of the mesh between the fixing portion and the roof peak/ridge, to thereby secure the mesh relative to the corrugated roof. The device also comprises a tongue portion extending from the fixing portion, wherein the tongue portion is operable, when the fixing portion is secured relative to the roof peak/ridge to secure the portion of the mesh between the fixing portion and the roof, to extend beyond an edge of the mesh and into a trough/valley adjacent the said peak/ridge, and the tongue conforms sufficiently to the shape of the trough/valley regardless of the angle between the roof edge and direction of the roof corrugations. 1/6 IV V III FIG. 1 F . FIG2 FIG. 3

Description

1/6

IV V III

FIG. 1

F .

FIG2

FIG. 3

A DEVICE FOR USE IN SECURING GUTTER MESH FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for use in securing gutter mesh,

including (but not exclusively) over roof valleys.

BACKGROUND

[0002] It is to be clearly understood that mere reference in this specification to

any previous or existing products, devices, apparatus, systems, methods, ways of

doing things, practices, publications or indeed to any other information, or to any

problems or issues, does not constitute an acknowledgement or admission that any

of those things, whether individually or in any combination, were known or formed

part of the common general knowledge of those skilled in the field, or that they are

admissible prior art.

[0003] A roof gutter (also referred to as "guttering") is an upwardly open channel

that extends along below the outer edges of downwardly and outwardly sloping

sections roof, e.g. on houses, buildings and the like. The purpose of the roof gutter is

to catch water that flows off the roof during periods of rainfall. The roof gutter will

typically have outlets therein at spaced locations to allow water that is collected off

the roof to then flow along and out of the gutter, for example into downpipes leading

to a storage tank, or to a stormwater drain or the like.

[0004] It is common for roof gutters to be provided with a mesh-type covering,

commonly referred to as "gutter mesh". The purpose of the mesh is to prevent

leaves, sticks and other debris from entering the roof gutter. More specifically, the

openings in the mesh allow water flowing off the roof to still pass through the mesh

and into the roof gutter, as desired. However, the openings in the mesh are sufficiently small to prevent larger sticks, leaves and other debris from entering the roof gutter. There are many reasons why it is important to prevent leaves, sticks and the like from entering the roof gutter. For example, if such debris is allowed to enter the roof gutter (e.g. as it may be if gutter mesh is not installed) the debris can build up in the roof gutter, clogging the roof gutter and preventing water from flowing properly along and out of the roof gutter (the water may instead spill over the sides of the roof gutter and become lost). Also, leaves, sticks and other organic debris which builds up in the roof gutter can pose a very serious fire risk, because this organic matter is highly flammable and therefore, in the event of a nearby fire (or bushfire), embers may land in and cause this debris in the roof gutter to ignite. And it may then be very easy for the fire to spread from the burning debris in the roof gutter into the roof cavity of the house or building. Furthermore, organic leaves, sticks and other leaf matter that collects in a roof gutter can rot/decompose therein, and this can lead to accelerated rusting or corrosion of the metal roof gutter.

[0005] A roof valley is the region where two inclined and differently oriented

sections of roof meet. An illustration of a typical roof valley, where a first inclined

section of roof IA meets another differently-oriented section of roof IB, is given in

Figure 2. In Figure 2, the two differently oriented sections of roof IA and IB that meet

at the roof valley are both formed from corrugated roof sheeting. The sections of roof

gutter IIA and IIB that extend along below the lower, outer edges of these two

respective sections of roof can also be seen in Figure 2. It is to be noted that, in the

example in Figure 2 (although this is entirely common), on both of the sections of

roof, the corrugations run directly down the roof, and therefore the guttering that

extends along below the lower, outer edges of the two roof sections extends

generally perpendicular (i.e. at 90°) to the direction that the corrugations "run". In

other words, the section of roof gutter IIA extends perpendicular to the corrugations

in roof section IA, and the section of roof gutter IIB extends perpendicular to the

corrugations in roof section IB.

[0006] Referring now to the roof valley depicted in Figure 2, this also has a

channel-like guttering. More specifically, there is a channel-like gutter that extends

beneath the edges of the respective roof sections IA and IB that meet at the valley.

Just like other roof guttering, during periods of rainfall, the gutter in the roof valley

serves to collect water that falls onto the respective roof sections, and which then

flows off the roof sections, down the corrugations and is collected in the valley gutter

that spans the space between where the two sections of roof meet at the valley.

Actually, the valley gutter slopes down (i.e. following the inclination of the valley), and

empties into the roof gutter at the bottom, where gutters IIA and IIB join. The

collected water can then flow out of the roof gutter in the usual way.

[0007] It is very important for gutter mesh to be installed to cover the valley

gutter, for all the same reasons as described above. However, there are a number of

challenges associated with installing gutter mesh over roof valleys (or indeed

associated with securing gutter mesh relative to any section of corrugated roof where

the edge of the roof (or roof section) onto which the gutter mesh is to be installed

does not simply extend perpendicular to the direction in which corrugations in the

roof sheet run). This will be discussed further below.

[0008] One of the common ways that gutter mesh is commonly installed over

roof gutters, in situations where the gutter extends perpendicular to the direction in

which the roof sheet corrugations run, is depicted in Figure 1. Note that, in Figure 1,

only the edge of the mesh strip which is secured to the corrugated roof is shown. The

strip of mesh also has an opposite parallel edge, which is secured directly to the

outer lip of the roof gutter using conventional roofing screws (or other means for

fastening).

[0009] In order to secure the (inner) edge of the gutter mesh strip III on top of

the corrugated roof sheet, it is conventional to use a form of flashing product IV

shown in Figure 1. Basically, the inner edge of the mesh strip III rests on (and extends across) the top of the successive peaks in the roof corrugations. The flashing product IV has a straight edge which is placed over (i.e. on top of) the inner edge of the mesh strip III, and roofing screws V are then inserted/driven through the flashing product IV, through the mesh III, and through the roof sheet at the peaks in the roof corrugations. In this way, the (edge of the) mesh becomes secured to the roof by being clamped between the underside of the flashing product IV and the upper surface of the peaks in the roof corrugations. (Note: roofing screws conventionally incorporate a seal, which prevents water from penetrating through the holes formed when the roofing screws are driven through the, flashing, mesh and roof sheeting.)

[0010] As mentioned above, the inner edge of the mesh strip III rests on (and

extends across), and in fact it is secured to, the top of the successive peaks in the

roof corrugations. Therefore, even when the mesh is secured to the roof as

discussed above, a gap remains between the underside of the mesh and each of the

valleys between the peaks in the roof corrugations. In order to prevent leaves, sticks

and other debris from passing through these gaps and thereby entering the gutter by

passing beneath the mesh, the flashing product IV is provided with a number of

"tongues" which project into the valleys. The tongues are substantially planar and

extend at an angle down into the valleys between the respective ridges/peaks in the

roof corrugations. The edges of the tongues are profiled so that, when a tongue

extends into a valley at a slight angle relative to the pitch of the roof, the edges of the

tongue conform fairly closely to the varying profile of the roof sheeting in the valley.

The edges of the tongues may, although they do not necessarily (or not all of them),

contact and form a complete barrier between the tongues and the surface of the roof

sheet. Where the edges of the tongues (or one or more of them) do not contact and

form a complete barrier between the tongue(s) and the surface of the roof sheet (or

at least not along the whole edge of each tongue for which this is the case), a small

space between the edge of the or each such tongue and the roof sheet may remain which may allow water to pass beneath the tongue and on into the gutter. However, this gap between the edge (or an edge portion) on one or more of the tongues and the surface of the roof sheet should still be sufficiently small (i.e. the tongues should all still conform to the roof sufficiently closely in their respective valleys) that leaves, sticks and other debris are too big to fit between the tongues in the roof. Basically, water may be able to pass between the tongues and the roof, but other debris is too large and therefore simply blows or flows over the top of the planar tongues onto the upper side of the mesh, and off the roof.

[0011] The flashing product IV shown in Figure 1, whilst effective, is only useful

for installing gutter mesh to sections of roof, and over roof gutters associated with

such sections of roof, where the gutter extends perpendicular to the direction in

which the roof sheet corrugations run. It cannot generally be used for installing gutter

mesh to sections of roof, and over roof gutters associated with such sections of roof,

where the gutter extends at an angle other than perpendicular to the direction in

which the roof sheet corrugations run, for example, as is often the case for roof

valleys. The reason the flashing product IV shown in Figure 1 cannot be used for

installing gutter mesh to sections of roof where the gutter extends at an angle other

than perpendicular to the direction in which the roof corrugations run is because the

tongue portions of the flashing product IV, due to their shape, are quite specifically

configured only to conform to the valleys between ridges in the corrugated roof when

the straight edge of the flashing product IV is installed perpendicular to the direction

in which the ridges of the corrugations run.

[0012] Where the edge of a section of roof, or the gutter associated with the

section of roof, over which the mesh is to be installed, extends at an angle other than

perpendicular to the direction in which the corrugations run, an alternative flashing

product is required with respective tongue members that are shaped quite differently.

This can be better appreciated from Figure 3. Figure 3 actually shows sample lengths

of two alternative flashing products, one lying atop the other. Both of the flashing products shown in Figure 3 are configured for use in installing gutter mesh to sections of roof, or over roof gutters associated with such sections of roof, where the gutter extends at an angle other than perpendicular to the direction in which the roof sheet corrugations run. This is therefore why, in both of the alternative flashing products shown in Figure 3, the tongue members extend at an angle (rather than extending perpendicular) relative to the straight base edge of the flashing product.

This is to enable the tongues to conform to the valleys between ridges in the

corrugated roof when the straight edge of the flashing product is installed at a (non

perpendicular) angle to the direction in which the ridges of the corrugations run.

[0013] It should be noted from Figure 3 that the two alternative flashing products

shown therein have tongues which are shaped quite differently to one another. This

is because these two example alternative flashing products are ones that are

designed to be used for installing gutter mesh to sections of roof where the gutter

extends at different non-perpendicular angles to the direction in which the roof sheet

corrugations run. More specifically, the flashing product shown on top in Figure 3 is

designed for use in a situation where the gutter extends at a more acute angle to the

direction of the roof corrugations, and the flashing product shown underneath in

Figure 3 is designed for use in a situation where the gutter extends at a less acute

angle to the direction of the roof corrugations.

[0014] An important point to note here is that there are a number of factors that

contribute to, or affect, the angle that a roof gutter extends at relative to the direction

of the roof corrugations. This is perhaps conveniently explained with reference to the

roof valley in Figure 2. In Figure 2, if the pitch (i.e. the steepness) of the roof were to

increase (i.e. if the roof were to be steeper than shown), this would cause the angle

between the gutter extending below the roof valley and the line of the roof

corrugations on both sections of roof to become more acute (assuming of course that

the corrugations still extend directly down the roof, which they almost always do).

Conversely, if the pitch (steepness) of the roof were to decrease in comparison with

Figure 2, this would cause the angle between the gutter below the roof valley and the

line of the roof corrugations for both sections of roof to become less acute.

[0015] Furthermore, the angle between the gutter edge and the roof

corrugations is also affected, in the case of roof valleys, by the angle at which the two

roof sections of roof meet at the valley. For instance, in Figure 2, the two sections of

roof are at 90° to one another. (That is, if a line was drawn directly horizontally across

the section of roof IA, and a line were also to be drawn at the same height

horizontally across the other section of roof IB, the two lines would meet at 90°. This

can also be understood if it is appreciated that the two sections of the building

covered by the respective sections of roof IA and IB in Figure 2 are at 90° to one

another.) However, there are often situations in which two sections of roof which

meet at a roof valley are not at 90° to one another. If two sections of roof that meet at

a roof valley meet at an angle less than 90°, the angle of the gutter edge beneath

each respective roof section (relative to the direction of the roof corrugations) will be

made comparatively less (i.e. more acute) by this, or if the two roof sections meet at

an angle greater than 90°, the angle of the gutter edge beneath each respective roof

section (relative to the direction of the roof corrugations) will be made comparatively

greater (i.e. more obtuse) by this.

[0016] It should also be borne in mind that the pitch (i.e. steepness) of two

sections of roof meeting at a roof valley need not always be the same. It is quite

possible that one of the sections may have a steeper pitch (i.e. be inclined at an

angle more close to vertical) than the other section of roof that meets at that roof

valley. In that case, the angle that the valley gutter makes relative to one section of

roof that meets at the valley will be different to the angle that the valley gutter mates

relative to the other section of roof that meets at that valley, and consequently the

shape (profile) of the flashing product (e.g. like in Figure 3) required to be used on

one side of the valley may be different to that required to be used on the other side of

the valley.

[0017] Yet a further consideration is that, even where two sections of roof that

meet at a roof valley meet at 90°, and where the pitch of the two sections of roof that

meet at the valley is the same, as is the case in Figure 2, nevertheless even in this

situation there is still a need for both a "left-handed" and a "right-handed" version of

the alternative flashing product to attach the gutter mesh to the sections of roof on

either side of the valley gutter.

[0018] It will therefore be appreciated that (even leaving aside the additional

complexity created by the fact that some roof sheets have corrugation (i.e.

ridge/valley) profiles that differ from others) in order to accommodate for the different

angles that can be created between the roof/gutter edge and the direction of the roof

corrugations, it is necessary for gutter mesh installers and product suppliers to

maintain an inventory containing a range of different flashing product profiles (i.e. a

range of different profile shapes examples of which are given in Figure 3), and in

both left and right handed versions. The need for gutter mesh installers and product

suppliers to maintain this inventory of different shapes and profiles of flashing

product, typically in quite significant quantities (in order to be able to meet demand

should it arise), can create a significant financial and warehousing/storage burden.

[0019] A further problem can arise in that, when specifying which particular

shape and profile of flashing product is required for a particular job, it is either up to

the installer to select the correct one (in left and/or right handed versions as

required), which requires the installer to attend the site to inspect even before

commencing or specifying the job, or otherwise sometimes it is left to the customer to

attempt to take measurements and from this the installer is required to try and

determine or choose which particular shape and profile of flashing product the use. In

any case, it is quite often the case that an incorrect flashing profile is initially chosen

or specified for a job, which will not in fact conform to the roof corrugations given the angles actually involved, in which case the job is delayed as different, replacement flashing profiles must be sourced. This typically leads to increased time and/or cost.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0020] It is thought that it would be desirable to provide a device for use in

securing gutter mesh that addresses, or at least ameliorates, one or more of the

aforementioned problems and/or that at least provides a useful alternative to current

gutter mesh installation products and practices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In one form of the present invention, there is provided a device which is

operable to be used in securing gutter mesh relative an edge of a corrugated roof

and where the roof edge extends at an angle to the direction of the roof corrugations

anywhere between 00 and 90, the device comprising:

a fixing portion operable to be secured relative to at least one peak/ridge

of the corrugated roof, with a portion (an edge portion) of the mesh between the

fixing portion and the roof peak/ridge, to thereby secure the mesh relative to the

corrugated roof; and

a tongue portion (this will often be, although it need not necessarily be, a

single tongue portion) extending from the fixing portion, wherein the tongue portion is

operable, when the fixing portion is secured relative to the roof peak/ridge to secure

the (edge) portion of the mesh between the fixing portion and the roof, to extend

beyond an edge of the mesh and into a trough/valley adjacent the said peak/ridge,

and the tongue conforms sufficiently to the shape of the trough/valley (i.e. well

enough to prevent debris passing between the device and the roof) regardless of the

angle between the roof edge and direction of the roof corrugations.

[0022] The fixing portion may include a first edge and a second edge. The first

edge may be longer than the second edge. The fixing portion may include a first

aperture (or plurality of apertures). The first aperture may be in the first edge and it

may receive a fixing device, such as a screw (or any other suitable fastener), used to

secure the device to (a peak of) the corrugated roof and/or to an adjacent device.

The fixing portion may also allow a single device to be secured to a peak of the

corrugated roof (i.e. such that several of the devices may be installed on the roof but

separated by a distance and not in contact with each other). The fixing portion may

also include a second aperture. The second aperture may be opposite the first

aperture. In some embodiments, the second aperture may be aligned with the first

aperture of an adjacent device or aligned with a peak of the corrugated roof adjacent

a peak to which the first aperture of the device is secured. More specifically, at least

one first aperture may be located along a first edge of the device and a second

aperture may be located along a second edge of the device.

[0023] The fixing portion and the tongue portion may be joined by a ridge

portion. The ridge portion may include a bendable portion whereby the angle of the

tongue portion may be adjusted by bending the bendable portion.

[0024] The tongue portion may project from the fixing portion at an angle,

whereby the tongue portion is able to extend into a valley of a corrugated roof (when

the device is installed to secure the mesh) to prevent leaves and debris from entering

a valley or roof gutter.

[0025] An end, or tip, of the tongue portion may be bent inwardly whereby the

end may press against the valley of the corrugated profile.

[0026] The tongue portion may be substantially triangular or fin-shaped.

[0027] The device may be integral or integrally formed. That is, the fixing portion

and the tongue portion may be integral with one another.

[0028] The device may be formed from any suitable material including steel,

aluminium or plastic.

[0029] In another form, the present invention provides a system for use in

securing gutter mesh relative an edge of a corrugated roof and where the roof edge

extends at an angle to the direction of the roof corrugations anywhere between 0

and 900, the system comprising:

a first device; and

a second device;

wherein each device comprises:

a fixing portion operable to be secured relative to at least one

peak/ridge of the corrugated roof, with a portion (an edge portion) of the mesh

between the fixing portion and the roof peak/ridge, to thereby secure the mesh

relative to the corrugated roof; and

a tongue portion extending from the fixing portion, wherein the tongue

portion is operable, when the fixing portion is secured relative to the roof peak/ridge

to secure the portion of the mesh between the fixing portion and the roof, to extend

beyond an edge of the mesh and into a trough/valley adjacent the said peak/ridge,

and the tongue conforms sufficiently to the shape of the trough/valley regardless of

the angle between the roof edge and direction of the roof corrugations.

[0030] In the above system, a first side of the first device may be in contact with

a second side of the second device.

[0031] Also, a first aperture of the first device may be aligned with an aperture of

the second device, and the tongue portions of each device may extend into adjacent

valleys of a corrugated roof.

[0032] In yet another form, the present invention resides in a method of installing

devices for use in securing gutter mesh relative an edge of a corrugated roof and where the roof edge extends at an angle to the direction of the roof corrugations anywhere between 00 and 90, the method including: securing a fixing portion of a first device to the corrugated roof, wherein a tongue portion of the first device extends into a first valley of the corrugated roof and a portion (an edge portion) of the gutter mesh is located between the first device and the corrugated roof; and securing a fixing portion of a second device to the corrugated roof, wherein a tongue portion of the second device extends into a second valley of the corrugated roof adjacent the first valley and wherein a portion (an edge portion) of the gutter mesh is located between the second device and the corrugated roof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Preferred features, aspects and variations of the invention and its various

embodiments may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which

provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The

Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting, in any way, the scope in the

Summary of the Invention above. The Detailed Description will make reference to a

number of drawings as follows:

[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a device conventionally used for securing gutter mesh

on corrugated roofs (or roof sections) where the gutter mesh extends perpendicular

to the direction of the corrugations in the roof;

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates, among other things, a roof valley with gutter mesh

installed thereover in the conventional way;

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates devices conventionally used for securing gutter mesh on

corrugated roofs (or roof sections) where the gutter mesh extends at an angle other

than perpendicular to the direction of the corrugations in the roof;

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a device for use in securing gutter mesh in accordance

with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the device shown in FIG. 4;

[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates a system or series of (in this instance two) devices for

use in securing gutter mesh in accordance with an embodiment of the present

invention;

[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates an example showing the way a series of devices may be

used to secure gutter mesh relative an edge of a corrugated roof where the gutter

mesh extends at an angle to the direction of the roof corrugations of about 7;

[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates an example showing the way a series of devices may be

used to secure gutter mesh relative an edge of a corrugated roof where the gutter

mesh extends at an angle to the direction of the roof corrugations of about 45;

[0042] FIG. 9 illustrates an example showing the way a series of devices may be

used to secure gutter mesh relative an edge of a corrugated roof where the gutter

mesh extends at an angle to the direction of the roof corrugations of about 55;

[0043] FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b) illustrate an example showing the way a series of

devices may be used to secure gutter mesh relative an edge of a corrugated roof

where the gutter mesh extends at an angle to the direction of the roof corrugations of

about 850; and

[0044] FIG. 11 illustrates a number of the devices of FIG. 4 used to secure gutter

mesh over a roof valley in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Elements of the invention are illustrated in concise outline form in the

drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary to understanding the

embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to clutter the disclosure with

excessive detail that will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the

present description.

[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates a device 10 for use in securing gutter mesh (the gutter

mesh is not shown) relative to an edge of a corrugated roof and where the roof edge

extends at an angle to the direction of the roof corrugations anywhere between 0

and 90.

[0047] The device 10 includes a fixing portion 100 and a single tongue portion

200 which extends from the fixing portion 100 at an angle (i.e. the generally planar

fixing portion 100 and the generally planar tongue portion 200 are oriented at an

angle to one another, as shown in Figure 5) whereby the tongue portion 200 is able

to fit complementarily within a trough or valley of a corrugated roof.

[0048] The fixing portion 100 is operable to be secured relative to at least one

peak/ridge of the corrugated roof, with an edge portion of the mesh between the

fixing portion and the roof peak/ridge, to thereby secure the mesh relative to the

corrugated roof.

[0049] The profile of the tongue portion 200 of the device 10 is very

approximately triangular, or perhaps it is more accurate or informative to describe it

as fin-shaped (i.e. akin to the shape of a shark dorsal fin), and it is designed to match

the profile of the valley of a roof. That is, the tongue 200 inserts into and conforms to

the shape of the trough/valley, regardless of the angle between the roof edge and the

direction of the roof corrugations, or at least the shape of the tongue 200 allows it to

insert into and conform to the shape of a valley between roof corrugation peaks for a

range of angles between the roof edge and the direction of the roof corrugations in

between 0° and 90°.

[0050] When the fixing portion 100 is secured relative to the roof peak, thereby

securing the edge portion of the mesh between the fixing portion 100 and the roof,

the tongue 200 extends beyond the edge of the mesh and into a trough/valley

adjacent the said peak/ridge. This can be appreciated from Figure 11.

[0051] Along a first edge 105 of the fixing portion 100 there is a series or

plurality of apertures 110. (As an alternative, instead of providing multiple apertures

110 along the first edge 105, a single elongate aperture extending along edge 105

might be provided.) Along an opposing, shorter edge 115 of the fixing portion 100 of

the device 10 there is (in this embodiment) a single aperture 120. The horizontal

spacing between the apertures 110 on edge 105 and the aperture 120 on edge 115

corresponds to the spacing between the peaks in the roof corrugations. Thus, in this

embodiment, a fastener (roofing screw or the like), or at least one, can be inserted

through the aperture 120 and into the peak of a corrugation in the roof, thereby

securing the edge 115 relative to that roof corrugation (with the mesh clamped

between the device and the roof corrugation peak), and a fastener (roofing screw or

the like), or at least one, can also be inserted through one or more of the apertures

110 into the peak of an adjacent corrugation in the roof, thereby securing the edge

105 relative to that adjacent roof corrugation (again with the mesh clamped between

the device and the roof corrugation peak).

[0052] The apertures 110 and 120 are themselves elongate, i.e. they are all

elongate "slots", meaning that, for any of these, a fastener may be inserted

therethrough at any location in between the two ends of the "slot". This provides

considerable flexibility in terms of where fasteners can be inserted through each of

the apertures 110 and 120 in order to secure the device 10.

[0053] In the particular embodiment shown, the fixing portion 100 also has a

folded portion 130 formed along a third edge 125 joining (and extending between) the

first and second edges 105, 115 of the fixing portion 100. In operation, when the

device 10 is placed on a corrugated roof and gutter mesh, the folded portion 130

serves effectively like a cantilevered spring, that is it initially keeps most of the rest of

the underside of the fixing portion 100 raised slightly off the gutter mesh. Once

screws or fixing means are inserted into the necessary apertures 110, 120 and the screws are driven through the mesh and into the corrugated roof, the screws exert downward pressure on the device 10. As the screws are driven further (or finally) into the roof, the screw heads will press against the upper surface of the fixing portion

100, pressing it down, and thereby causing the underside of the fixing portion 100 to

flatten out and come into contact with the mesh. Thus, the device 10 may eventually

become flattened out flush against the mesh, and this may indicate to the installer

that the device 10 is sufficiently secured (i.e. secured firmly enough in place).

[0054] On a fourth edge 135 of the fixing portion 100, generally opposite the

third edge 125, the tongue portion 200 and fixing portion 100 are joined by a ridged

portion 140. It is possible that the ridged portion 140 may be bent to allow the angle

of the tongue portion 200 relative to the fixing portion 100 to be adjusted /changed.

Bending the ridged portion 140 may allow the angle at which the tongue portion 200

extends into a roof corrugation valley to be adjusted to suit a particular installation

(and the angles involved). However, it is envisaged that bending of the ridged

portion 140 generally will not be required, and that the tongue portion 200 will

conform sufficiently to the shape of the trough/valley between peaks in the roof

corrugations (i.e. well enough to prevent debris passing between the device and the

roof), regardless of the angle between the roof edge and the direction of the roof

corrugations, without bending the ridged portion 140.

[0055] The device 10 may be manufactured from any suitable material, although

it is anticipated that, at least usually, it will be manufactured from (high tensile) steel

or aluminium, and it may also be plain galvanized or coloured e.g. to be the same

colour as the corrugated sheet metal roof, or the like, for aesthetic purposes.

[0056] Turning to FIG. 5, this side view of the device 10 more clearly illustrates

the angle of the tongue portion 200 relative to the fixing portion 100. In particular, it

can be seen that tongue portion 200 extends from the relatively straight (planar) fixing portion 100 at an angle. The angle that portion 130 makes to the rest of the fixing portion 100 can also be seen in Figure 5.

[0057] With reference to FIGs. 6-11, it will be appreciated that a plurality of the

devices can be used to cover adjacent valleys in a corrugated profile, as discussed

with reference to these Figures.

[0058] For example, two devices 10, 10a can be secured (and in fact in this

instance they are also secured together) to cover adjacent valleys in a corrugated

roof, as shown in FIG. 6. The device 10a is identical to device 10. As can be seen,

the second aperture 120 located along the second, shorter edge 115 of the device 10

is aligned with one of the plurality of apertures 110 located on the first, longer side

105 of an adjacent device 1Oa.

[0059] The devices 10, 10a can be positioned closer or further apart along the

respective first and second edges 105, 115 according to the angle at which the mesh

is to be installed relative to the normal of the roofing sheet (i.e. relative to the

direction that the corrugations run on the sheet). That is, the devices 10 and 1Oa can

be moved relative to one another longitudinally, or along the respective ridges/peaks,

while remaining in the same lateral position relative to one another (the distance that

the devices are apart in the lateral direction is defined by the spacing between peaks

in the roof). For example, if the gutter mesh 40 is to be installed at an angle of about

70 relative to the normal of the roofing sheet 30, as shown in FIG. 7, the devices 10

are positioned close together in the longitudinal direction (i.e. in the direction of the

corrugations).

[0060] In another example, for gutter mesh 40 positioned at 45 relative to the

normal of the roofing sheet 30, as shown in FIG. 8, the devices 10 are positioned

somewhat further apart longitudinally from one another. As a result, the devices 10

can be used without regard for the angle of the gutter mesh 40 relative to the

direction of the corrugations in the roofing sheets 30.

[0061] While the devices 10 have been described as being able to be secured

together, in particular cases like e.g. where the gutter mesh 40 is positioned at 55 or

850 relative to the normal of the direction of the corrugations of the roof 30, as shown

in FIG. 9 and 10, the devices 10 can be sufficiently longitudinally separated that they

are secured individually and separately to the peaks of the corrugated roofing sheet

30 but not in contact with each other.

[0062] Also, in the case of relatively large angles, such as 85 (which admittedly

is not particularly common), as shown in FIG 10, it may be necessary to cut or

otherwise create "steps" in the gutter mesh 40 (the shape of these "steps" is more

clearly illustrated by dotted yellow line 31 in FIG. 10(a) and can also be seen in FIG.

10(b)). The steps can help to ensure that the tongue can extend over the edge of the

mesh and down into the valleys between peaks in the roof corrugations in these

"large angle" scenarios.

[0063] Dotted lines 32 positioned at a right angle have also been added to FIG.

10(b) to more clearly illustrate the angle of the gutter mesh 40 relative to the normal

of the roof 30.

[0064] The device 10 shown in FIGs. 4-10 is a "right hand" (or "right handed")

version of the device. However, it will be appreciated that the shape of the device 10

can be reversed or mirrored to create a "left hand" (or "left handed") version, and in

fact devices will generally need to be provided in both "handednesses", so that e.g.

both sides of a valley gutter can be fitted with the devices. Examples of "left handed"

versions of the device are depicted by the devices 11 shown in FIG. 11.

[0065] In use, a plurality (or a series or system) of the devices 10, 11 can be

fitted to a roof adjacent a valley gutter, as shown in FIG. 11. In FIG. 11, there are two

sections of downwardly sloping corrugated roof 20, 30 separated by a valley gutter

50 with a plurality of devices 10, 11 installed atop the gutter mesh 40 that covers the

valley gutter.

[0066] Prior to fitting the plurality of devices 10, 11, as described above, the

gutter mesh 40 is placed over the valley gutter 50. The gutter mesh 40 is typically an

alloy coated steel mesh but can be any suitable gutter mesh.

[0067] The devices 10, 11 are then secured to the corrugated sheet metal roof

sections 20, 30 using fixing elements (not shown) such as roofing screws (or maybe

other fasteners like pop rivets, or nails etc) which extend through the devices 10, 11,

through the mesh 40 and into the ridges/peaks of the corrugations in the roofing

sections 20, 30. Typically, the longer edge 105 of a particular device 10, 11 is

positioned closer to the higher of the two peaks of the corrugated roof to which that

device is secured, and at least some of the fixing portion 100 of each device resides

on top of the mesh 40 (and presses down on the mesh when secured by the fixing

elements/screws) and the tongue portion 200 of each device extends over the edge

of the mesh 40 and into the valley between the two peaks of the corrugated roof to

which that device is secured.

[0068] The mesh 40 is retained in situ when the devices 10, 11 are fixed onto

the roofing corrugations so that the mesh 40 is sandwiched and held firmly in contact

with the roofing sheets 20, 30. As a result, the securing of the devices 10, 11

simultaneously secures the gutter mesh 40 by pressing (at least part of) the fixing

portion 100 of each device 10, 11 over/onto the gutter mesh 40 so that the gutter

mesh 40 is held against the roofing sheets 20, 30.

[0069] In the particular embodiments shown, the tongue portion is

complementary to a valley of a corrugated roof (not shown) having a continuous

smooth (almost sinusoidal) profile. However, it will be appreciated that the tongue

portion could also be any shape that complements the profile of a roof, for example,

a trapezoidal shaped profile to be used with TrimDek@ or similar roofing.

[0070] Advantageously, once the devices 10, 11 are installed, when it rains, or

water is sprayed onto the roof, any debris caught in water flowing down the roof corrugations is prevented from travelling all the way down the valleys or troughs of the corrugated roof and under the mesh into the gutter. Instead, the debris (at least) is forced to travel over the tongue portion of each of the devices and on to the top of the gutter mesh where it can be easily removed (if it does not blow or flow off by itself).

[0071] Advantageously, the devices can be used to secure gutter mesh relative

an edge of a corrugated roof and where the roof edge extends at an angle to the

direction of the roof corrugations anywhere between 0 and 90. As a result, the

device only requires (at most) only two versions, a left and right hand version, rather

than multiple versions to accommodate differing installation angles.

[0072] Further advantageously, a customer or installer does not need to

measure the pitch of the roof for the installer to know the appropriate device to be

used.

[0073] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top

and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action

from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual

such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a

component or step (or the like) is not be interpreted as being limited to only one of

that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer,

component, or step, etc.

[0074] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is

provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not

intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment.

As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention

will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while

some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments

will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

[0075] In this specification, the terms 'comprises', 'comprising', 'includes',

'including', or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that

a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include

those elements solely, but may well include others elements not listed.

Claims (13)

1. A system for securing gutter mesh relative an edge of a corrugated roof

and where the roof edge extends at an angle to the direction of the roof corrugations

anywhere between 00 and 90, the system comprising:

a first device; and

a second device;

wherein each device comprises:

a fixing portion operable to be secured relative to one peak/ridge of the

corrugated roof, with a portion of the mesh between the fixing portion and the roof

peak/ridge, to thereby secure the mesh relative to the corrugated roof; and

a single tongue portion extending from the fixing portion, wherein the

tongue portion is operable, when the fixing portion is secured relative to the roof

peak/ridge to secure the portion of the mesh between the fixing portion and the roof,

to extend beyond an edge of the mesh and into a trough/valley adjacent the said

peak/ridge, and the tongue conforms sufficiently to the shape of the trough/valley

regardless of the angle between the roof edge and direction of the roof corrugations;

and

wherein the first device is identical to and independent of the second

device.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion includes a

first edge and a second edge.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the first edge is longer than the

second edge.

4. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

fixing portion includes a first aperture.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the fixing portion also includes a second

aperture.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the second aperture is

opposite the first aperture.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein at least one first aperture is

located along a first edge of the first device and the second aperture is located along

a second edge of the second device and overlaps with the first aperture, and the first

and second apertures are able to receive a single fastener to secure the first and

second devices to the corrugated roof.

8. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

fixing portion and the tongue portion are joined by a ridge portion.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the ridge portion includes a

bendable portion whereby the angle of the tongue portion relative to the fixing portion

may be adjusted by bending the bendable portion.

10. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

tongue portion projects from the fixing portion at an angle, whereby the tongue

portion is able to extend into a valley of a corrugated roof to prevent leaves and

debris from entering a valley or roof gutter.

11. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

tongue portion is substantially triangular or fin-shaped.

12. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

fixing portion and the tongue portion are integral with one another.

13. A method of installing the system of claim 1, the method including:

securing the fixing portion of the first device to the corrugated roof,

wherein the tongue portion of the first device extends into a first valley of the

corrugated roof and a portion of the gutter mesh is located between the first device

and the corrugated roof; and

securing the fixing portion of the second device to the corrugated roof,

wherein the tongue portion of the second device extends into a second valley of the

corrugated roof adjacent the first valley and wherein a portion of the gutter mesh is

located between the second device and the corrugated roof.