Guttering system

Abstract

An apparatus for pivotally securing a gutter to a facia such that it may be pivotally moved between a first (draining) position, and a second (cleaning) position. The apparatus includes an outwardly extending arm 2 with a hinge 4 thereon. The gutter is attached, for instance, by means of a gutter bracket 3 to the hinge, such that pivotal movement of the gutter relative to the bracket is effected. To clean the gutter, the gutter may be pivoted to a cleaning position, whereat the gutter is disposed outwardly relative to its draining position. After removal of tool (FIG. 8 ) may be utilised in order to effect movement of the gutter.

1 . An apparatus for pivotally securing a gutter to a fascia, such that it may be pivotally moved between a first (draining) position and a second (cleaning) position, said apparatus including: 
 a bracket adapted to be attached to said fascia, having an arm outwardly extending therefrom;    a connector adapted to be attached to said gutter;    a hinge provided at a remote end of said arm, pivotally connecting said connector to said bracket; and,    a releasable locking means, to releasably lock said gutter in said first (draining) position.    
   
   
       2 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said arm of said bracket extends outwards from said fascia to a distance which is less than the width of said gutter.  
   
   
       3 . An apparatus as claimed in claims  1 , wherein said gutter includes an integrally formed connection means for pivotal attachment of said gutter to said hinge means on said arm.  
   
   
       4 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , further including a connection means which is adapted to be secured to said gutter and to said hinge means.  
   
   
       5 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein said connection means is shaped to substantially surround and thereby support said gutter therein.  
   
   
       6 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the extremities of said connection means are formed with deformable tabs thereon, which are adapted to be deformed to at least partially surround lips formed on the edges of said gutter's walls.  
   
   
       7 . An apparatus as claimed in claims  1 , wherein said apparatus is shaped to complement the profile of the gutter to which it is attached.  
   
   
       8 . An apparatus as claimed in claims  1 , wherein said arm extends outwards from said connection means in a substantially L-shaped configuration.  
   
   
       9 . A gutter adapted to be pivotally secured to a fascia such that it can be pivoted between a first (draining) position and a second (cleaning) position, said gutter including: 
 connector means associated with said gutter which is adapted to cooperate with a hinge, the hinge being provided at a remote end of an arm of a bracket, an outer end of which attached to a fascia,    whereby said gutter is releasably locked to said bracket in said first (draining) position.    
   
   
       10 . A gutter as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein said arm of said bracket extends outwards from said fascia to a distance which is less than the width of said gutter.  
   
   
       11 . A guttering system which enables pivotal movement of a gutter component between a first (draining) position and a second (cleaning) position, said guttering system including: 
 at least one gutter component, including straight gutter components, corner gutter components and shaped gutter components;    connector means attached to each said gutter component;    at least one bracket, for attachment to a fascia, said bracket having an outwardly extending arm;    a hinge provided at a remote end of each said arm; and,    a releasable locking means, to releasably lock each said gutter component in said first (draining) position.    
   
   
       12 . A guttering system as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein each said gutter component pivots substantially upwardly and outwardly from a pivotal axis which is displaced outwards from a fascia to which said guttering system is affixed.  
   
   
       13 . A guttering system as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein said arm of said bracket extends outwards from said fascia to a distance which is less than the width of said gutter.  
   
   
       14 . A guttering system as claimed in claims  11 , wherein the or each gutter component is adapted to pivotally move relative to compatible ancillary components including, but not limited to, corner gutter components, downpipe components, etc.  
   
   
       15 . A guttering system as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein a seal is provided between said respective gutter components and/or said compatible ancillary components.  
   
   
       16 . A method of cleaning a gutter, including the steps of: 
 unlocking a locking means of said gutter from a first (draining) position;    pivoting said gutter to a second cleaning position, such that the gutter is disposed outwardly relative to its draining position;    removing leaves from said gutter;    returning said gutter to said first (draining) position; and, relocking said locking means.    
   
   
       17 . A tool for effecting movement of a gutter system between a first (draining) position and a second (cleaning) position, including a tool having a shaped end adapted to engage with said gutter, said tool being provided on an elongate handle such that said movement may be effected from a substrate surface remote from said gutter, said tool further including lock operating means to lock and/or unlock a locking means.  
   
   
       18 - 22 . (canceled)