AU2020213331B2 - Gutter connector - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a gutter connector including an inner clamp (15) an outer clamp (50) that are adapted to clamp together adjacent end portions of two gutters 700, 800. Each of the inner clamp (15) and outer clamp (50) includes an elongate body 20, 60, wherein the body 20 of the inner clamp (15) includes a flexible portion 35 to facilitate locating the inner clamp (15) in the gutters 700, 800.

Description

5/29 06 Aug 2020 2020213331 06 Aug 2020

700 700 5/29 10 10 725 725 720 720

710 710 730 730 15 15 2020213331

A A55 50 50 830 830 A A44 825 825 A3 A3 A2 A A11 A 800 800 810 810 10 10 820 820 FIGURE 11 FIGURE 11 15 15

800 800 700 700 820 820

720 720

725 725 825 825

50 50

730 730 710 710 810 810

FIGURE 12 FIGURE 12

Jun 2025

GUTTER GUTTER CONNECTOR CONNECTOR 2020213331 25

Related Application Related Application

[0001] The The present present application application claims claims priorityfrom priority fromAustralian AustralianProvisional Provisional 2020213331

ApplicationNo. Application No.2019903023 2019903023 filed filed on 20on 20 August August 2019, 2019, the thecontents entire entire contents of which of which are are incorporated herein incorporated herein by by reference. reference.

TechnicalField Technical Field

[0002] The The present present disclosure disclosure relates relates to atogutter a gutter connector, connector, andand more more particularly particularly

to aa gutter to gutter connector connectorfor foruse use in in clamping clamping adjacent adjacent end portions end portions of twoofgutters two gutters together. together.

Background Background

Conventional

[0003] Conventional gutter gutter connectors connectors are typically are typically provided provided in form in the the form of twoof two brackets, brackets, an an inner inner clamp bracket and clamp bracket andan anouter outerclamp clampbracket, bracket,which whichclamp clamp about about thethe

adjoining adjoining end portions of end portions of two gutters and two gutters then subsequently and then subsequentlysecured secured together together using using

mechanical fasteners,thereby mechanical fasteners, thereby sandwiching sandwiching the portions the end end portions of the of twothe two gutters gutters

together. However, together. However,such suchgutter gutterconnectors connectorsare aretypically typically manufactured manufacturedfrom frommaterials materials such assteel, such as steel,which whichmeans means that that the clamp the clamp brackets brackets have have poor poor flexibility. flexibility. This This

inflexibility inflexibilitycauses untoldproblems causes untold problems for installers for installers during during installation installation of the of the gutters, gutters,

particularly particularlywhen when the the open-top channelassociated open-top channel associatedwith withthe thetwo twogutters guttersisis narrow narroworor there is there is some aspectofofthe some aspect thewall(s) wall(s) that that would would preclude precludeeasy easymounting mounting of of thethe inner inner

clamp bracket clamp bracket of of the the gutter gutter connector. connector.

[0004] The The present present disclosure disclosure seeks seeks to provide to provide a connector, a gutter gutter connector, which which will will overcome overcome or or substantially substantially ameliorate ameliorate at least at least some some of the of the deficiencies deficiencies of theart, of the prior prior art, or or to to at at least least provide analternative. provide an alternative.

A reference

[0005] A reference herein herein to atopatent a patent document document or other or other matter matter whichwhich is given is given as as prior prior art art is isnot notto tobe be taken as an taken as anadmission admission that that thethe document document or matter or matter wasorknown or was known

that the that the information information itit contains was contains waspart partofof thethe common general knowledge common general knowledgeasasatatthe the priority priority date date of of any of the any of claims. the claims.

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

2 25 Jun 2025 Jun 2025

It is

[0006] It is to to be be understood understood that,that, if any if any priorprior art referred art is is referred to herein, to herein, suchsuch

reference doesnot reference does notconstitute constituteananadmission admission that that thethe prior prior artart forms forms a part a part of the of the

2020213331 25 common general common general knowledge knowledge in the in theinart, art, in Australia Australia or any or anycountry. other other country.

Summary Summary 2020213331

According

[0007] According to one to one aspect aspect of the of the present present disclosure disclosure there there is is provided provided a a gutter gutter

connector including: inner connector including: inner and andouter outer clamp clamp brackets brackets adapted adapted to together to clamp clamp together adjacent end portions adjacent end portions of of two two gutters gutters substantially substantiallytherebetween, therebetween, wherein eachof wherein each of the the inner inner and outer clamp and outer clampbrackets bracketsincludes includesananelongate elongatebody, body,andand wherein wherein thethe body body of of

the inner the innerclamp clamp bracket bracket is configured is configured with with a flexible a flexible portion. portion. The flexible The flexible portionportion can can be defined by be defined by at at least least one one dimension that is dimension that is less less than than aa dimension of aa remainder dimension of of remainder of

the body. the body. For Forexample, example,thethe dimension dimension can can define define a structural a structural feature feature of the of the inner inner

clamp bracket. The clamp bracket. Thedimension dimensionofofthat that structural structural feature featuremay may be be less less than than aa dimension dimension

of of the remainderofofthe the remainder thebody bodyof ofthethe inner inner clamp clamp bracket. bracket. The The flexible flexible portion portion cancan

therebyenable thereby enablethethe body body of the of the inner inner clampclamp bracket bracket to flexto inflex in to order order to locate locate the the inner inner clamp bracket clamp bracket within within an an open open top channel top channel defined defined by the by the adjoining adjoining gutters.gutters.

Preferably,

[0008] Preferably, the flexible the flexible portion portion has a has a thickness thickness that than that is less is less than a thickness a thickness

of of a a remainder of the remainder of the body bodyofof the the inner inner clamp clampbracket. bracket.That Thatis, is, the the thickness thickness of of the the flexible portion flexible canbebethe portion can theatatleast leastone one dimension dimension that that is less is less than than the dimension, the dimension, i.e., i.e., the thickness the thicknessdimension, dimension, of the of the remainder remainder ofbody. of the the body.

Preferably,

[0009] Preferably, the the flexible flexible portionhas portion has a width a width that that is is lessthan less than a width a width of of a a remainder of the remainder of the body bodyofofthe theinner innerclamp clamp bracket.That bracket. That is,is,the thewidth widthofofthe theflexible flexible portion portion can be the can be the at at least least one one dimension dimensionthat thatisisless less than thanthe thedimension, dimension,i.e., i.e., the the width dimension, width dimension,of of thethe remainder remainder of body. of the the body.

Preferably,

[0010] Preferably, each each of the of the two two gutters gutters is defined is defined by by a base a base and and two laterally two laterally

opposing walls upstanding opposing walls upstandingfrom fromthe thebase baseto to defineananopen define open toptop channel channel therewithin, therewithin,

and whereinthe and wherein thetwo twolaterally laterally opposing opposingwalls wallstogether togetherdefine definea astructure structurethat that would would preclude theinner preclude the innerclamp clamp bracket bracket from from locating locating within within the top the open open top channel channel defined by defined by

the adjoining the adjoininggutters gutterswithout without firstlyflexing firstly flexingthe thebody body of the of the inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket at the at the flexible portion. flexible portion.

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

3 25 Jun 2025 25 Jun 2025

Preferably,

[0011] Preferably, the the bodybody of each of each of theofinner the inner and clamp and outer outerbrackets clamp brackets is is configured at respective configured at respective terminal terminal ends thereof to ends thereof to engage with aa corresponding engage with correspondinginner inner or or outer facingsurface outer facing surfaceofofthe thetwo two laterallyopposing laterally opposing walls walls of each of each gutter. gutter.

Preferably,

[0012] Preferably, thethe body body of each of each of of thethe innerand inner and outer outer clamp clamp brackets brackets includes includes

complementary couplingmeans. means. 2020213331

2020213331

complementary coupling

Preferably,

[0013] Preferably, thethe complementary complementary coupling coupling meansmeans includes includes two or two moreorpins more pins upstanding froman upstanding from anupper uppersurface surfaceofofthe thebody bodyofofthe theouter outerclamp clampbracket bracketand and twotwo or or

more aperturesextending more apertures extendingsubstantially substantially through throughthe thebody bodyofofthe theinner innerclamp clampbracket, bracket, wherein each wherein eachaperture apertureisisconfigured configuredtotoreceive receivea corresponding a corresponding one one of two of the the or two or more pinssubstantially more pins substantially therethrough therethroughwhen when the the adjacent adjacent end portions end portions of theoftwo the two gutters gutters are are clamped together substantially clamped together substantially between between the the inner inner and and outer outer clamp clamp brackets. brackets.

Preferably,

[0014] Preferably, the the twotwo or more or more pinspins are are disposed disposed alongalong the upper the upper surface surface of of the body the body of of the the outer outer clamp clampbracket bracketininspaced spaced apart apart arrangement, arrangement, and and wherein wherein the the two or two or more moreapertures aperturesare aredisposed disposed along along thethe body body of the of the inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket in ain a corresponding spacedapart corresponding spaced apartarrangement. arrangement.

Preferably,the

[0015] Preferably, thecomplementary complementary couplingmeans coupling means includes includes twotwo or more or more apertures extendingsubstantially apertures extending substantially through through the thebody bodyofofeach each of of thethe inner inner andand outer outer

clamping brackets clamping brackets that that areare configured configured to betoengaged be engaged by a respective by a respective pair of fasteners pair of fasteners

for clamping for clamping ofofthe theadjacent adjacent endend portions portions of two of the thegutters two gutters substantially substantially betweenbetween the the inner andouter inner and outerclamp clamp brackets. brackets.

Preferably,

[0016] Preferably, thethe twotwo or more or more apertures apertures are disposed are disposed alongalong the of the body body theof the inner inner and/or and/or outer outer clamp clamp bracket bracket in inspaced spaced apart apart arrangement. arrangement.

Preferably,

[0017] Preferably, the the twotwo or more or more apertures apertures extending extending substantially substantially through through the the body ofatat least body of least one oneofofthe theinner innerand and outer outer clamping clamping brackets brackets are threaded are threaded apertures. apertures.

Preferably,

[0018] Preferably, each each of the of the two two or more or more threaded threaded apertures apertures is formed is formed within within a a corresponding protrusion upstanding corresponding protrusion upstandingfrom fromananupper upper surface surface of of thethe body body of of thethe inner inner

and/or outerclamp and/or outer clamp bracket. bracket.

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

4 25 Jun 2025 25 Jun 2025

Preferably,

[0019] Preferably, each each protrusion protrusion upstanding upstanding fromfrom the the upper upper surface surface of the of the bodybody

of of the the inner inner clamp bracketisis adapted clamp bracket adaptedtotoatatleast leastpartially partially receive a corresponding receive a corresponding protrusion upstanding protrusion upstanding from from the the upper upper surface surface of theofbody the of body the of the clamp outer outerbracket. clamp bracket.

Preferably,atatleast

[0020] Preferably, leastone oneof of thethe inner inner andand outer outer clamp clamp brackets brackets is is manufactured from a metal or metal alloy.alloy. 2020213331

2020213331

manufactured from a metal or metal

Preferably,

[0021] Preferably, thethe metal metal is is a a galvanised galvanised oror coated coated metal. metal.

Preferably,

[0022] Preferably, the the metalmetal is selected is selected from from the the consisting group group consisting of steel,of steel, aluminium, iron,brass aluminium, iron, brass and and copper. copper.

Preferably,

[0023] Preferably, the metal the metal alloy alloy is is selected selected from from the theconsisting group group consisting of brass. of brass.

Preferably,

[0024] Preferably, at at least least oneone of of thethe innerand inner and outer outer clamp clamp brackets brackets is is produced produced

by stamping by stamping or or 3D3D printing. printing.

Preferably,atatleast

[0025] Preferably, leastone oneof of thethe inner inner andand outer outer clamp clamp brackets brackets is is manufactured fromananengineering manufactured from engineeringplastic. plastic.

Preferably,

[0026] Preferably, thethe engineering engineering plastic plastic is isselected selectedfrom fromthe thegroup group consistingofof consisting

acrylonitrile acrylonitrile butadiene butadienestyrene styrene(ABS), (ABS), polypropylene (PP), high polypropylene (PP), high density density polyethylene polyethylene (HDPE), polycarbonate (HDPE), polycarbonate (PC), (PC), polyvinyl polyvinyl chloride chloride (PVC) (PVC) and polytetrafluoroethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene

(PTFE). (PTFE).

Preferably,

[0027] Preferably, at at least least oneone of of thethe innerand inner and outer outer clamp clamp brackets brackets is is produced produced

by injection moulding by injection moulding oror 3D3D printing. printing.

Other

[0028] Other aspects aspects are are alsoalso disclosed. disclosed.

Brief Brief Description of Drawings Description of Drawings

Notwithstanding

[0029] Notwithstanding any other any other forms forms which which may may fall fall within within the of the scope scope the of the present disclosure,preferred present disclosure, preferred embodiments embodiments of the of the disclosure disclosure will will now be now be described, described, by by wayof way of example exampleonly, only, with with reference reference to to the the accompanying drawingsininwhich: accompanying drawings which:

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

5 25 Jun 2025 Jun 2025

Figures

[0030] Figures 1 and1 2and show2 perspective show perspective views views of of anclamp an inner innerbracket clamp of bracket a of a gutter connectoraccording gutter connector according to atopreferred a preferred embodiment embodiment of the present of the present disclosure; disclosure;

2020213331 25

Figures

[0031] Figures 3 to 35 to 5 show show side,side, top bottom top and and bottom views, views, respectively, respectively, of the of the inner inner

clamp bracket clamp bracket of of Figures Figures 1 and 1 and 2; 2;

Figures 6 and6 7and 7 show perspective views views of an clamp outer clamp bracketbracket of the 2020213331

[0032] Figures show perspective of an outer of the

gutter connectorforforuse gutter connector use with with thethe inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket of Figures of Figures 1 to 5; 1 to 5;

Figures

[0033] Figures 8 to 810 10 show to show side,side, top top and and bottom bottom views, views, respectively, respectively, of the of the outer outer

clamp bracket clamp bracket of of Figures Figures 6 and 6 and 7; 7;

Figures

[0034] Figures 11 12 11 and and 12 perspective show show perspective views views of of theclamp the inner inner bracket clamp bracket of of Figures Figures 11 and and2 2and andthethe outer outer clamp clamp bracket bracket of Figures of Figures 6 and 6 and 7 being 7 being used used as a as a

gutter connector gutter connector to to clamp clamp together together adjacent adjacent end portions end portions of two substantially of two gutters gutters substantially therebetween; therebetween;

Figures

[0035] Figures 13 14 13 and and 14 perspective show show perspective views views of of an clamp an inner inner clamp bracketbracket of a of a gutter gutter connector according to connector according to another another preferred preferred embodiment embodimentof of thethe present present disclosure; disclosure;

Figures

[0036] Figures 15 to15 17to 17 side, show show top side, andtop and views, bottom bottomrespectively, views, respectively, of the of the inner clampbracket inner clamp bracket of of Figures Figures 13 and 13 and 14; 14;

Figures

[0037] Figures 18 18 19 19 andand show show perspective perspective views views ofofananouter outerclamp clampbracket bracket of of the gutter the gutter connector connector foruse for use with with thethe inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket of Figures of Figures 13 to 13 17; to 17;

Figures

[0038] Figures 20 to20 22to 22 side, show show top side, andtop and views, bottom bottomrespectively, views, respectively, of the of the outer clampbracket outer clamp bracket of of Figures Figures 18 and 18 and 19; 19;

Figures

[0039] Figures 23 24 23 and and 24 perspective show show perspective views views of of theclamp the inner inner bracket clamp bracket of of Figures 13 and Figures 13 and 14 14and andthe theouter outerclamp clampbracket bracketofofFigures Figures18 18and and1919being beingused used as as a a

gutter connector gutter connector to to clamp clamp together together adjacent adjacent end portions end portions of two substantially of two gutters gutters substantially therebetween; therebetween;

Figures

[0040] Figures 25 26 25 and and 26 perspective show show perspective views views of of an clamp an inner inner clamp bracketbracket of a of a gutter gutter connector according to connector according to another another preferred preferred embodiment embodimentof of thethe present present disclosure; disclosure;

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

6 25 Jun 2025 Jun 2025

Figures

[0041] Figures 27 to27 29to 29 side, show show top side, andtop and views, bottom bottomrespectively, views, respectively, of the of the inner clampbracket inner clamp bracket of of Figures Figures 25 and 25 and 26; 26;

2020213331 25

Figures

[0042] Figures 30 31 30 and and 31 perspective show show perspective views views of of an clamp an inner inner clamp bracketbracket of a of a gutter gutter connector according to connector according to another another preferred preferred embodiment embodimentof of thethe present present disclosure; disclosure; 2020213331

Figures

[0043] Figures 32 to32 34to 34 side, show show top side, andtop and views, bottom bottomrespectively, views, respectively, of the of the inner clampbracket inner clamp bracket of of Figures Figures 30 and 30 and 31; 31;

Figures

[0044] Figures 35 35 36 36 andand show show perspective perspective views views ofofananouter outerclamp clampbracket bracket of of the gutter the gutter connector connector foruse for use with with thethe inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket of Figures of Figures 30 to 30 34; to 34;

Figures

[0045] Figures 37 to37 39to 39 side, show show top side, andtop and views, bottom bottomrespectively, views, respectively, of the of the outer outer clamp bracket of clamp bracket of Figures Figures 35 35 and 36 and 36

Figures

[0046] Figures 40 41 40 and and 41 perspective show show perspective views views of of an clamp an inner inner clamp bracketbracket of a of a gutter gutter connector according to connector according to another another preferred preferred embodiment embodimentof of thethe present present disclosure; disclosure;

Figures

[0047] Figures 42 to42 44to 44 side, show show top side, andtop and views, bottom bottom respectively, views, respectively, of the of the inner clampbracket inner clamp bracket of of Figures Figures 40 and 40 and 41; 41;

Figures

[0048] Figures 45 45 46 46 andand show show perspective perspective views views ofofananouter outerclamp clampbracket bracket of of the gutter the gutter connector connector foruse for use with with thethe inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket of Figures of Figures 40 to 40 44; to 44;

Figures

[0049] Figures 47 to47 49to 49 side, show show top side, andtop and views, bottom bottomrespectively, views, respectively, of the of the outer outer clamp bracket of clamp bracket of Figures Figures 45 45 and 46; and 46;

Figures

[0050] Figures 50 51 50 and and 51 perspective show show perspective views views of of an clamp an inner inner clamp bracketbracket of a of a gutter gutter connector according to connector according to another another preferred preferred embodiment embodimentof of thethe present present disclosure; disclosure;

Figures

[0051] Figures 52 to52 54to 54 side, show show top side, andtop and views, bottom bottomrespectively, views, respectively, of the of the inner clampbracket inner clamp bracket of of Figures Figures 50 and 50 and 51; 51;

Figures

[0052] Figures 55 55 56 56 andand show show perspective perspective views views ofofananouter outerclamp clampbracket bracket of of the gutter the gutter connector connector foruse for use with with thethe inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket of Figures of Figures 50 to 50 54; to 54;

Figures

[0053] Figures 57 to57 59to 59 side, show show top side, andtop and views, bottom bottomrespectively, views, respectively, of the of the outer outer clamp bracket of clamp bracket of Figures Figures 55 55 and 56; and 56;

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

7 25 Jun 2025 Jun 2025

Figure

[0054] Figure 60 shows 60 shows a perspective a perspective view view of theofinner the inner clampclamp bracket bracket of Figures of Figures

51 and 52 51 and 52and andthe theouter outerclamp clamp bracket bracket ofof Figures5555 Figures and and 56 56 being being used used as aas a gutter gutter

2020213331 25 connector connector totoclamp clamp together together adjacent adjacent end portions end portions of twoofgutters two gutters substantially substantially

therebetween; therebetween;

Figures

[0055] Figures 61 62 61 and and 62 perspective show show perspective views views of of an clamp an inner inner clamp bracketbracket of a of a 2020213331

gutter gutter connector according to connector according to another another preferred preferred embodiment embodimentof of thethe present present disclosure; disclosure;

Figures

[0056] Figures 63 to63 65to 65 side, show show top side, andtop and views, bottom bottomrespectively, views, respectively, of the of the inner clampbracket inner clamp bracket of of Figures Figures 61 and 61 and 62; 62;

Figures

[0057] Figures 66 66 67 67 andand show show perspective perspective views views ofofananouter outerclamp clampbracket bracket of of the gutter the gutter connector connector foruse for use with with thethe inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket of Figures of Figures 61 to 61 65; to and65; and

Figures

[0058] Figures 68 to68 70to 70 side, show show top side, andtop and views, bottom bottomrespectively, views, respectively, of the of the outer clampbracket outer clamp bracket of of Figures Figures 66 and 66 and 67. 67.

Detailed Description Detailed Description

In the

[0059] In the following following detaileddescription, detailed description, reference reference is is made to accompanying made to accompanying drawings which drawings which form form a part a part of the of the detailed detailed description. description. The illustrative The illustrative embodiments embodiments

described described ininthe thedetailed detaileddescription description andand depicted depicted in drawings in the the drawings are are not not intended intended to to be limiting. Other be limiting. Otherembodiments maybebeutilised embodiments may utilised and other changes and other maybebemade changes may made withoutdeparting without departingfrom from thethe spiritororscope spirit scope of of thethe subject subject matter matter presented. presented. It willIt be will be readily readily understood that understood that the the aspects aspects of the of the present present disclosure, disclosure, as generally as generally described described

herein andillustrated herein and illustratedinin the thedrawings drawingscancan be arranged, be arranged, substituted, substituted, combined, combined,

separated and separated and designed designed in a in a wide wide variety variety of different of different configurations, configurations, all ofall of which which are are contemplated contemplated in in thisdisclosure. this disclosure.

Indeed,

[0060] Indeed, while while the the following following embodiments embodiments relate relate to gutter to gutter connectors connectors forfor use use

in in clamping adjacent clamping adjacent endend portions portions of gutters of two two gutters together together at a corner at a corner region region of of a roof, a roof,

a personofofordinary a person ordinary skill skill in in thethe relevant relevant art art would would recognise recognise that connectors that gutter gutter connectors could equallybebeconfigured could equally configured withwith profiles profiles to clamp to clamp adjacent adjacent end portions end portions of two gutters of two gutters

togethertotoform together formananelongate elongate gutter gutter for for useuse along along straight straight regions regions of a roof. of a roof.

[0061] By By wayway of of background, background, Figures Figures 11 11 1212 to to show show perspectiveviews perspective viewsofoftwo two “Quad” gutters 700, "Quad" gutters 700, 800 800 that that have beenconfigured have been configuredtotoform formaacontinuous continuousgutter gutter with with aa

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

8 25 Jun 2025 2020213331 25 Jun 2025

generally right angle generally right angle when saidgutters when said gutters 700, 700,800 800areare joinedtogether joined together in in anan endend on on

configuration configuration so as to so as to be be mounted mountedto to a building a building fascia fascia (notshown) (not shown) at external at an an external corner regionofofa aroof corner region roofofofsaid saidbuilding. building.

Specifically,

[0062] Specifically, andand as as shown shown in Figure in Figure 11, 11, each each gutter gutter 700, 700, 800800 is is defined defined by by

a base710, a base 710,810810 and and two laterally two laterally opposing opposing walls walls in the in theofform form of a a front front wall wall 720, 820 720, 820 2020213331

and and aa rear rear wall wall 730, 730, 830, 830, upstanding upstandingfrom fromthe thebase base 710, 710, 810 810 to to define define an an open open top top

channel therewithin. At channel therewithin. At least least one one of of the the two two end portions of end portions of each gutter 700, each gutter 700, 800 800isis formedororcutcutto to formed define define a generally a generally 45 degree 45 degree angle relative angle relative to a longitudinal to a longitudinal axis of axis of the corresponding the gutter 700, corresponding gutter 700, 800, 800, such suchthat that when whenthe theangled angledend end portionofofeach portion eachofof the two the gutters 700, two gutters 700, 800 are brought 800 are broughttogether togetherend endon, on,they theycan canbebe clamped clamped using using a a gutter connector1010 gutter connector to to afford afford a continuous a continuous gutter gutter with with a generally a generally right right angled angled joint.joint.

In one

[0063] In one particular particular arrangement, arrangement, and and as shown as shown in Figure in Figure 11, the11, the wall front front wall 720, 820ofofeach 720, 820 eachofofthe thetwotwo gutters gutters 700, 700, 800800 includes includes a portion a portion 725,725, 825 is 825 that that is recessed inwardlytoward recessed inwardly towardthe theopen opentoptop channel. channel. Each Each of the of the two two recessed recessed portions portions

725, 825 is 725, 825 is defined defined by by upper upperand andlower lowersloping slopingwall wallportions portionsthat that are are angled angledtoward toward each other toto define each other defineaagenerally generallytriangular triangular shaped shapedrecess. recess. TheThe lower lower sloping sloping wallwall

portion of each portion of eachofofthethe twotwo recesses recesses 725, 725, 825 includes 825 includes a plurality a plurality of apertures of apertures (given (given the general the general reference referenceA1-A) A1-Adisposed 5) disposed in spaced in spaced apart apart arrangement, arrangement, that that extend extend substantially through substantially through the the corresponding lower wall corresponding lower wall portion portion of of each recess725, each recess 725,825. 825. The apertures The aperturesA1-A A1-Aact 5 actas asananoverflow overflowmeans meansin in thethe event event thatthe that thelevel levelof of rainwater rainwater captured within the captured within the open opentop topchannel channelof of the the adjoining adjoining gutters700, gutters 700, 800800 exceeds exceeds a a predetermined level predetermined level that that would would then then resultresult in theinrainwater the rainwater overflowing overflowing the rear the wall rear wall

730, 830and 730, 830 and causing causing untold untold damage damage to the to the fascia fascia and and roof of roof of the building. the building.

[0064] WithWith thisthis in mind, in mind, it it willbe will beappreciated appreciatedbybypersons persons of of ordinary ordinary skillin skill in the the relevant relevant art art that that since since the the recessed portions 725, recessed portions 725,825 825extend extend inwardly inwardly toward toward the the

open topchannel, open top channel,they theypresent present an an obstruction obstruction that that would would preclude preclude a conventional a conventional

inner inner clamp bracket (not clamp bracket (not shown) shown)from frombeing beingmounted mounted between between the laterally the laterally opposing opposing

front 720, front 820and 720, 820 and rear rear walls walls 730, 730, 830830 of the of the two two adjoining adjoining gutters gutters 700, 700, 800. 800.

To this

[0065] To this end, end, the the present present disclosure disclosure is predicated is predicated on on thethe finding finding of of a a gutter gutter

connector 10 formed connector 10 formedfrom fromananinner innerclamp clamp bracket bracket 15 15 andand an an outer outer clamp clamp bracket bracket 50, 50,

that have that beenrespectively have been respectivelyadapted adaptedtotoclamp clamp adjacent adjacent end end portions portions of two of two gutters gutters

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

9 25 Jun 2025 2020213331 25 Jun 2025

700, 800 together 700, 800 together substantially substantially therebetween, in which therebetween, in the inner which the inner clamp bracket 15 clamp bracket 15isis configured configured totoflex flexsosoas as to to facilitateeasier facilitate easier mounting mounting of inner of said said inner clamp 15 clamp bracket bracket 15 between thelaterally between the laterally opposing front and opposing front andrear rear walls walls of of each eachofofthe thetwo twogutters gutters700, 700, 800. 800.

It will

[0066] It will be appreciated be appreciated that that at at least least one one of theof the inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 15 15 and the and the 2020213331

outer outer clamp bracket50 clamp bracket 50isis manufactured manufactured from from a metal a metal such such as steel, as steel, stainless stainless steel, steel,

aluminium, iron or aluminium, iron or copper, copper, or or aa metal metal such such as as steel steel that thatmay may be be galvanised or coated galvanised or coated

with aa suitable with suitable polymer polymercoating coatingorormetal metal alloycoating alloy coating such such as aaszinc a zinc aluminium aluminium

coating coating or or aa zinc zincaluminium aluminium magnesium coating. magnesium coating.

In other

[0067] In other embodiments, embodiments, oneboth one or or both of the of the inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 15 outer 15 and and outer clamp bracket5050may clamp bracket maybe be manufactured manufactured from from a metal a metal alloyalloy such such as brass as brass or a zinc or a zinc

alume™ alloy. alume TM alloy.

It willbe be

[0068] It will appreciated appreciated by persons by persons of ordinary of ordinary skill skill that that the inner the inner clampclamp

bracket 15 and bracket 15 andouter outer clamp clampbracket bracket5050may may be be manufactured manufactured by stamping, by stamping, or inor in the the

case ofcertain case of certainmetals/metal metals/metal alloys, alloys, 3D 3D printed. printed.

In other

[0069] In other embodiments, embodiments, oneboth one or or both of the of the inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 15 outer 15 and and outer clamp bracket 50 clamp bracket 50may maybebemanufactured manufactured from from an an engineering engineering plastic plastic selected selected from from thethe

group consisting of group consisting of acrylonitrile acrylonitrile butadiene butadiene styrene styrene (ABS), polypropylene(PP), (ABS), polypropylene (PP),high high density polyethylene(HDPE), density polyethylene (HDPE), polycarbonate polycarbonate (PC),(PC), polyvinyl polyvinyl chloride chloride (PVC) (PVC) and and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), via polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), viaa suitable a suitable manufacturing manufacturing process process such assuch as

injection injection moulding, moulding, ororininthe thecase caseof of certain certain plastics,3D3D plastics, printed. printed.

First Embodiment

[0070] First Embodiment

InnerClamp

[0071] Inner Clamp Bracket Bracket

Referring

[0072] Referring specifically Figures1 1toto5,5, the specificallytotoFigures the inner inner clamp bracket 15 clamp bracket 15 includes includes an elongatebody an elongate body2020 thatisisshaped that shaped at at both both of of itsits terminalends terminal ends 25,25, 30 30 to engage to engage

corresponding portions corresponding portions of the of the laterally laterally opposing opposing frontfront and walls and rear rear walls of theoftwo thegutters two gutters 700, 800located 700, 800 locatedat at theirrespective their respective endend portions. portions.

[0073] For For instance, instance, as as shown shown in Figures in Figures 1 to15, 5, the to the elongate elongate body body 20 the 20 of of the inner inner

clamp bracket 15 clamp bracket 15includes includes aa generally generally V-shaped V-shapedprojection projectionupstanding upstandingfrom fromananupper upper

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

10 25 Jun 2025 Jun 2025

surface 22ofofthe surface 22 thebody body 20 20 at aatfirst a first endend thereof thereof 25, 25, which which is defined is defined by twoby two25A, arms arms 25A, 25B that are 25B that are upstanding from the upstanding from the upper upper surface surface 22 22of of the the body 20 and body 20 anddisposed disposedatatanan 2020213331 25 angle of approximately angle of approximately 90 degreesto 90 degrees to each eachother other such suchthat that an apex defined an apex defined by by the the two two arms 25A, arms 25A, 25B25B at the at the first first endend of the of the bodybody 20 is20 is inwardly inwardly directed directed toward toward an opposing an opposing

second endthereof. second end thereof. 2020213331

[0074] As As is apparent is apparent from from Figures Figures 11 12, 11 and 12, V-shaped and the the V-shaped projection projection is is configured configured totoconform conform to the to the generally generally rightright angled angled profile profile defined defined by the by thefacing inner inner facing surfaces surfaces ofofthe therear rearwalls walls 730, 730, 830 830 of two of the the adjoining two adjoining "Quad"“Quad” gutters gutters 700, 800 700, that 800 that

face the face the building building when the adjoining when the adjoining gutters gutters 700, 700, 800 800 are are mounted mounted totoaacorner cornerof of the the building fascia as building fascia asaacontinuous continuous gutter gutter in in use. use.

Disposed

[0075] Disposed at the at the opposing opposing second second end 30end of 30 theofbody the 20 body is 20 is located located another another

projection, projection,which which isisalso alsodefined definedbybytwo twoarms arms30A, 30A, 30B 30B that that extend extend upwardly from the upwardly from the upper surface upper surface 22 22 of of thethe bodybody 20 awith 20 with a gentle gentle curvature curvature before terminating before terminating in a well-in a well-

defined defined V-shape havinga alip V-shape having lip portion, portion, with withthe thetwo twoarms arms 30A and30B 30A and 30Bbeing beingdisposed disposed at at an an angle of approximately angle of 90 degrees approximately 90 degreestotoeach eachother othersuch suchthat thatananapex apex defined defined by by

the two the two arms arms30A, 30A,30B 30B at at thethe second second end end 30 of30the of body the body 20 is 20 is outwardly outwardly directed directed

away from away from thethe firstend first end2525 of of thethe body body 20. 20.

[0076] As As shown shown in Figure in Figure 12,12, thethe second second endend 30 30 of of thethe body body 20 20 of of theinner the inner clamp bracket15 clamp bracket 15isis configured configured to to conform conformtoto the the shaped shapedprofile profile defined defined by by the the inner inner facing surfaces facing of the surfaces of the front front walls walls 720, 720, 820 820 of of the the two two adjoining adjoining “Quad” gutters 700, "Quad" gutters 700, 800. 800.

[0077] As As shown shown in Figures in Figures 1 to1 5, 5, the to the elongate elongate body body 20 20 of of thethe innerclamp inner clamp bracket 15includes bracket 15 includes a flexibleportion a flexible portion 35 35 disposed disposed generally generally mid-way mid-way between between the first the first

end 25 and end 25 andthe thesecond second end end 30 30 of of thethe body body 20.20. TheThe width width of the of the flexibleportion flexible portion 35 35isis such thatthe such that theflex flex is is spread spreadover overa a broader broader areaarea to lessen to lessen the load the load concentration. concentration.

In this

[0078] In this particularembodiment, particular embodiment,andand as more as more clearly clearly shown shown in Figure in Figure 3, 3, the the flexible portion flexible 35 has portion 35 hasa athickness thickness that that is is less less than than a thickness a thickness of rest of the the rest of body of the the body 20, therebyproviding 20, thereby providing a means a means by which by which to facilitate to facilitate flexing flexing ofinner of the the inner clamp clamp bracketbracket

15 15 as as and whenrequired. and when required.

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

11 25 Jun 2025 Jun 2025

[0079] As As shown shown in Figures in Figures 1 to1 4, 4, the to the elongate elongate body body 20 20 of of thethe innerclamp inner clamp bracket 15comprises bracket 15 comprises a pair a pair of generally of generally elliptical elliptical shaped shaped protrusions protrusions 40, 45 40, 45

2020213331 25 upstanding fromthe upstanding from theupper uppersurface surface2222 ofof thebody the body 20 20 in in spaced spaced apart apart arrangement, arrangement,

wherethethe where longer longer axisaxis of each of each elliptical elliptical protrusion protrusion 40, 40, 45 is 45 is generally generally aligned aligned with a with a longitudinal longitudinalaxis axisofofthe thebody body20. 20.Each Each protrusion protrusion 40, 40, 45 45 comprises anaperture comprises an aperture40A, 40A, 2020213331

45Athat 45A that extends extendssubstantially substantiallythrough throughthe thecorresponding corresponding protrusion protrusion 40, 40, 45anat 45 at an angle thatisis generally angle that generallyperpendicular perpendicular to the to the upper upper surface surface 22 of 22 the of the20. body body The 20. two The two

apertures 40A, 45A apertures 40A, 45Aalso alsoextend extendthrough throughthe thebody body2020 ofofthe theinner innerclamp clampbracket bracket1515toto an undersidesurface an underside surface2424 thereof.Each thereof. Each aperture aperture 40A,40A, 45A 45A comprises comprises an internally an internally

threadedportion threaded portion(not (not shown). shown).

[0080] As As shown shown in Figure in Figure 5, the 5, the two two protrusions protrusions 40,40, 45 45 of of thethe innerclamp inner clamp bracket bracket 15 are hollow 15 are hollow and and thus thus appear appearasasrecesses recesses when when viewed viewed fromfrom the the underside underside

24 of the 24 of the body body20. 20.

As will

[0081] As will become become apparent apparent from from the the discussion discussion below, below, the twothe two protrusions protrusions

40, 45 40, 45 associated associatedwith withthe theinner innerclamp clamp bracket bracket 15 form 15 form part part of a of a complementary complementary

coupling meanswith coupling means witha acorresponding corresponding pair pair of of generally generally elliptical shaped elliptical shapedprotrusions protrusions 80, 85associated 80, 85 associated with with thethe outer outer clamp clamp bracket bracket 50 to facilitate 50 to facilitate an effective an effective seal when seal when

clamping theendend clamping the portions portions of the of the two two gutters gutters 700, 700, 800 together 800 together in use.in use.

As shown

[0082] As shown in Figures in Figures 1, 2 1, and2 4, 4, body andthe the body 20 of20 of inner the the inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 15 15 comprises comprises aapair pair of of laterally laterallyspaced spacedapart apartridges ridges23A, 23A,23B 23B upstanding upstanding from the upper from the upper

surface 22ofofthe surface 22 thebody body 20 that 20 that extend extend generally generally parallel parallel to theto the longitudinal longitudinal axis ofaxis the of the

body 20, along body 20, along all all but but the the flexible flexibleportion portion3535ofof thethe body body20. 20.These These ridges ridges 23A, 23A, 23B 23B

serve to strengthen serve to these parts strengthen these parts of of the the elongate body 20, elongate body 20, while while maintaining maintaining aa degree degree of of flexibility flexibility in in thethe flexible portion flexible 3535located portion locatedtherebetween. therebetween.

Outer

[0083] Outer Clamp Clamp Bracket Bracket

Referringspecifically

[0084] Referring to Figures specifically to Figures 6 6 to 10, the to 10, the outer outer clamp bracket 50 clamp bracket 50 includes an elongate includes an elongatebody body6060 thatisisshaped that shapedat at both both of of itsitsterminal terminalends ends65,65, 70 70 to to

engage corresponding engage corresponding portions portions of theoflaterally the laterally opposing opposing walls ofwalls of the the two two 700, gutters gutters 700, 800 locatedatattheir 800 located theirrespective respectiveendend portions. portions. The The elongate elongate body body 60 60outer of the of theclamp outer clamp bracket 50 also bracket 50 also includes includes aa generally generally V-shaped V-shapedprojection projectionupstanding upstanding from from an an upper upper

surface 62ofofthe surface 62 thebody body 60 60 at aatfirst a first endend thereof thereof 65, 65, which which is defined is defined by twoby two65A, arms arms 65A,

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

12 25 Jun 2025 Jun 2025

65Bthat 65B that are are upstanding from the upstanding from the upper uppersurface surface 62 62of of the the body 60 and body 60 anddisposed disposedatatanan angle of approximately angle of approximately 90 degreesto 90 degrees to each eachother. other. 2020213331 25

[0085] As As is apparent is apparent from from Figures Figures 11 12, 11 and 12, V-shaped and the the V-shaped projection projection is is configured configured totoconform conform to the to the generally generally rightright angled angled profile profile defined defined by the by thefacing outer outer facing surfaces surfaces ofofthe therear rearwalls walls 730, 730, 830 830 of two of the the adjoining two adjoining "Quad"“Quad” gutters gutters 700, 800 700, that 800 that 2020213331

are proximal to are proximal to the the building building when the adjoining when the adjoining gutters gutters 700, 700, 800 are mounted 800 are mountedtotothe the corner of the corner of thebuilding buildingfascia fasciaasasa acontinuous continuous gutter gutter in use. in use.

Disposed

[0086] Disposed at the at the opposing opposing second second end 70end of 70 theofbody the 60 body is 60 is located located another another

projection, projection,which which isisalso alsodefined definedbybytwo twoarms arms 70A, 70A, 70B 70B that that extend extend upwardly from the upwardly from the upper surface6262 upper surface of of thethe body body 60 with 60 with a gentle a gentle curvature curvature beforebefore terminating terminating with a well- with a well-

defined V-shape defined V-shapehaving havinga alip lip portion, portion, with withthe thetwo twoarms arms 70A and70B 70A and 70Bbeing beingdisposed disposed at at an angleofofapproximately an angle approximately 90 degrees 90 degrees to other. to each each other.

[0087] As As shown shown in Figure in Figure 11,11, thethe second second endend 70 70 of of thethe body body 60 60 of of theouter the outer clamp bracket50 clamp bracket 50isis configured configured to to conform conformtoto the the shaped shapedprofile profile defined defined by by the the outer outer facing surfaces facing of the surfaces of the front front walls walls 720, 720, 820 820 of of the the two two adjoining adjoining “Quad” gutters 700, "Quad" gutters 700, 800, where 800, where thethe liplip portion portion hooks hooks over over the terminal the terminal end portion end portion of thewalls of the front front720, walls 720, 820 of the 820 of thetwo twoadjoining adjoining gutters gutters 700, 700, 800. 800.

[0088] As As shown shown in Figures in Figures 6 to10, 6 to 10,the thetwo twoarms arms70A 70Aand and70B 70Beach each includeaa include generally triangular generally triangularshaped shaped flange flange 71, 71, 72 that extends 72 that outwardly from extends outwardly from aa lateral lateral edge edge

of of the the corresponding arm70A, corresponding arm 70A,70B 70Bin in a a directionthat direction that points points toward toward the the generally generally V- V- shaped projection shaped projection located located at the at the firstendend first 65 65 of the of the elongate elongate body body 60. 60.

Asapparent

[0089] As is is apparent fromfrom Figure Figure 11, each 11, each flangeflange 71, 71, 72 is72 is configured configured to locate to locate

within the within the corresponding corresponding recessed recessed portion portion 725, 725, 825 in 825 in thefacing the outer outersurface facing of surface the of the front wall front wall 720, 820ofofthe 720, 820 thetwo twoadjoining adjoining gutters gutters 700, 700, 800 800 to provide to provide stability. stability.

[0090] As As shown shown in Figures in Figures 6 to6 9, 9, the to the elongate elongate body body 60 60 of of thethe outerclamp outer clamp bracket 50comprises bracket 50 comprises a pair a pair of generally of generally elliptical elliptical shaped shaped protrusions protrusions 80, 85 80, 85

upstanding fromthe upstanding from theupper uppersurface surface6262 ofof thebody the body 60 60 in in spaced spaced apart apart arrangement. arrangement.

Each Each ofofthe thetwotwo protrusions protrusions 80, 80, 85 is85 is located located at a point at a point along along the the of length length of the body the body

60 that corresponds 60 that corresponds to the to the location location of aof a corresponding corresponding one of one of the the two two protrusions protrusions 40, 40, 45 upstanding 45 upstandingfrom fromthe theupper uppersurface surface 2222 of of the the body body 20 20 of the of the inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

13 25 Jun 2025 Jun 2025

15. 15. Each protrusion 80, Each protrusion 80, 85 of the 85 of the outer outer clamp clamp bracket 50 also bracket 50 also comprises comprisesan anaperture aperture 80A, 85A, although 80A, 85A, although as asshown Figure10, shownininFigure 10,the thetwo twoapertures apertures80A, 80A,85A 85Adodo not not extend extend

2020213331 25 through the through the body body6060 to to thethe underside underside 64 the 64 of of the bodybody 60. While 60. While not shown, not shown, each each aperture 80A,85A85A aperture 80A, comprises comprises an internally an internally threaded threaded portion. portion.

[0091] As As shown shown in Figure in Figure 11,11, when when thethe inner inner clamp clamp bracket1515and bracket andthe theouter outer 2020213331

clamp bracket5050are clamp bracket areused used to to clamp clamp together together the the adjacent adjacent end end portions portions of the of the two two

gutters 700, gutters 700, 800 together, the 800 together, the two protrusions 80, two protrusions 80, 85 at the 85 at the upper surface 62 upper surface 62 of of the the body 60 of body 60 of the the outer outer clamp bracket 50 clamp bracket 50 are are located located between betweenthe theadjacent adjacentend endportions portions of the two of the twogutters gutters700, 700,800800 andand are are available available to nest to nest within within the corresponding the corresponding

recesses in the recesses in theunderside underside24 24 of the of the inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 15, as15, as defined defined by the by the

associated protrusions 40, associated protrusions 40, 45. 45. Once nested,the Once nested, thetwo twosets setsofof apertures apertures40A, 40A,45A 45Aand and 80A, 85Aare 80A, 85A aresubstantially substantially aligned aligned with with the the corresponding protrusions 40, corresponding protrusions 40, 45and 45and80, 80, 85 andadapted 85 and adaptedto to receive receive a corresponding a corresponding mechanical mechanical fastener fastener in theinform the of form a of a

screw havingananexternally screw having externallythreaded threadedportion portion(not (notshown) shown)to to threadinglyengage threadingly engage the the

corresponding internally corresponding internally threaded threaded pairspairs of substantially of substantially aligned aligned apertures apertures of the inner of the inner

and outerclamp and outer clamp brackets brackets 15, 15, 50clamp 50 to to clamp the adjacent the adjacent end portions end portions of gutters of the two the two gutters 700, 700, 800 substantially therebetween. 800 substantially therebetween.

In short,

[0092] In short, by by virtueofofthe virtue theinner innerclamp clampbracket bracket1515ofofthe thegutter gutter connector connector1010 having having aaflexible flexible portion portion3535located located generally generally mid-way mid-way alongalong the length the length of the of the elongate elongate

body 20, itit becomes body 20, becomes simpler simpler to to mount mount the the inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 15 within 15 within the tight the tight

confines associated with confines associated with the the open opentop topchannel channeldefined definedbybythe thebase base andand thethe laterally laterally

opposing frontandand opposing front rear rear walls walls of each of each oftwo of the thegutters two gutters 700, 700, 800, 800, particularly particularly where where one of the one of the walls, walls, namely the front namely the front walls walls 720, 820 in 720, 820 in this this case, case, which both have which both havethe the inwardly extending recessed inwardly extending recessedportion portion725, 725,825825 that that would would preclude preclude a conventional, a conventional,

non-flexible non-flexible inner innerclamp clamp bracket bracket from being mounted from being mountedbetween between the the laterallyopposing laterally opposing front walls front walls 720, 720, 820 andrear 820 and rear walls walls 730, 730,830 830ofofthe thetwo twoadjoining adjoininggutters gutters700, 700,800 800 easily. easily.

Second Embodiment

[0093] Second Embodiment

Figures

[0094] Figures 13 to13 22 illustrate 22toillustrate a variation a variation on the on the gutter gutter connector connector 10the 10 of of the previous previous embodiment embodiment ininthe theform formofof aa gutter gutter connector 100 comprising connector 100 comprisingan aninner inner clamp clamp

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

14 25 Jun 2025 2020213331 25 Jun 2025

bracket bracket 115 115 (see Figures1313toto17) (see Figures 17)and andananouter outerclamp clampbracket bracket150 150 (see (see Figures Figures 18 18

to 22). to 22).

[0095] For For easeease of reference, of reference, the the features features of of thethe inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 115115 andand the the

outer outer clamp bracket 150 clamp bracket 150of of the the gutter gutter connector 100 of connector 100 of the the second embodiment second embodiment have have

been givenreference been given referencenumerals numerals similar similar to those to those given given with with respect respect to thetogutter the gutter 2020213331

connector connector 1010 of of the the firstembodiment, first embodiment, albeit albeit withwith the the prefix prefix "1".“1”.

In this

[0096] In this variation, variation, the gutter the gutter connector connector 100 is designed 100 is designed for installation for installation in an in an internal internal corner regionofofa aroof corner region roof(not (notshown) shown) of aofbuilding. a building. To this To this end, end, the inner the inner clamp clamp

bracket bracket 115 115 (see Figures1313toto17) (see Figures 17) and andthe theouter outer clamp clampbracket bracket150 150(see Figures (seeFigures 1818

to 22) to of the 22) of the gutter gutter connector connector 100 100 share share similar similar features features to inner to the the inner clampclamp bracketbracket 15 15 (see Figures1 1toto5)5)and (see Figures andthe theouter outerclamp clamp bracket bracket 50 50 (see(see Figures Figures 6 to 610) 10)the to of of the gutter connector gutter connector 10 of the 10 of the first firstembodiment, embodiment, but but have have generally generally V-shaped projections V-shaped projections

upstanding fromthe upstanding from theupper uppersurfaces surfaces 122, 122, 162162 at their at their respective respective first 125, first 125,165 165and and second ends130, second ends 130, 170 170 with with profilesthat profiles thatare aregenerally generallyopposite oppositetotothose thoseassociated associated with the with the inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 15 and the 15 and the outer outer clamp clamp bracket bracket 50 50ofof the the gutter gutter connector 10,soso connector 10, that that thethe generally generally V-shaped V-shaped projections projections at theends at the first first125, ends165125, of 165 of

the inner the inner and outer clamp and outer brackets 115, clamp brackets 115, 150 150 are are configured configured to to conform conform to to the the generally right angled generally right angledprofile profile defined definedby by thethe inner inner and outer and outer facingfacing surfaces, surfaces,

respectively, of the respectively, of therear rearwalls walls730, 730, 830830 of the of the two two adjoining adjoining "Quad"“Quad” guttersgutters 700, 800, 700, 800,

while the while the generally generally V-shaped V-shapedprojections projectionsatatthe thesecond second ends ends 130, 130, 170 170 of the of the inner inner

and outer clamp and outer clampbrackets brackets115, 115,150 150are areconfigured configured totoconform conform to to thecorrespondingly the correspondingly shaped profiledefined shaped profile definedby by thethe inner inner and and outer outer facing facing surfaces, surfaces, respectively, respectively, of the of the front front

walls 720, walls 720,820. 820.

[0097] The The flexible flexible mid-portion mid-portion 135135 associated associated with with thethe inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 115115 is is the same the same as as that that forfor thethe inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 15 of 15 theof the gutter gutter connector connector 10. That10. That said, said, the mode the mode ofofoperation operationfor for clamping clampingthe the adjacent adjacentend endportions portionsofof the the two two gutters gutters 700, 700, 800 together using 800 together using the the gutter gutter connector connector 100 100(see Figures (seeFigures 23 23 24) 24) andand is exactly is exactly thethe

same same asas that that described described above above with respect with respect to the to the gutter gutter connector connector 10. 10.

[0098] As As shown shown in Figures in Figures 13, 13, 14 and 14 and 16, 16, the the body body 120 120 of the of the inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 115 comprisesa apair 115 comprises pairof of laterally laterally spaced spaced apart apart ridges ridges 123A, 123A, 123B upstanding 123B upstanding

from the from the upper uppersurface surface122122 of of thethe body body 120 120 that that extend extend generally generally parallel parallel to to the the

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

15 25 Jun 2025 Jun 2025

longitudinal axis of longitudinal axis of the the body body120, 120, along along allall butbut thethe flexibleportion flexible portion 135135 of the of the body body 120. 120.

These ridges123A, These ridges 123A,123B 123B serve serve to to strengthen strengthen these these parts parts of of thethe elongate elongate body body 120,120,

2020213331 25 while maintaining while maintaininga degree a degree of flexibility of flexibility in flexible in the the flexible portion portion 135 located 135 located

therebetween. therebetween.

ThirdEmbodiment

[0099] Third Embodiment 2020213331

Figures

[0100] Figures 25 to2529toillustrate 29 illustrate another another variationofofthe variation thegutter gutter connectors connectorsof of the the previous embodiments previous embodiments comprising comprising an inner an inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 215use 215 for forinuse in clamping clamping

adjacent end adjacent end portions portions of of twotwo gutters gutters 700,700, 800 800 together. together.

[0101] For For easeease of reference, of reference, the the features features of the of the inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 215the 215 of of the third embodiment third have embodiment have been been given given reference reference numerals numerals similar similar to those to those given given with with respect tothe respect to theinner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 15 of 15 theof the embodiment, first first embodiment, albeit albeit with the with prefixthe prefix

“2”. "2".

In this

[0102] In this variation,thetheelongate variation, elongate body body 230 230 of inner of the the inner clampclamp bracket bracket 215 215 comprises a flexiblemid-portion comprises a flexible mid-portion 235235 in which, in which, as shown as shown in the in theview side sideinview Figure 27, in 27, Figure

there is there is a gradualtapering a gradual taperingofofthe thethickness thickness of of thethe body body 230 230 in this in this region region to a to a fold-line. fold-line.

[0103] The The advantage advantage of configuration of this this configuration is that is that the the foldfold line line imparts imparts sufficient sufficient

flexibility totothe flexibility theelongate body230230 elongate body to allow to allow the the innerinner clampclamp bracketbracket 215and 215 to flex to flex and straighten easily. straighten easily.

[0104] As As shown shown in Figures in Figures 25, 25, 26 and 26 and 28, 28, the the body body 220 220 of the of the inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 215 comprisesa apair 215 comprises pair of of laterally laterally spaced spaced apart apart ridges ridges 223A, 223A, 223B upstanding 223B upstanding

from the from the upper uppersurface surface222222 of of thethe body body 220 220 that that extend extend generally generally parallel parallel to to the the longitudinal axis of longitudinal axis of the the body body220, 220, along along allall butbut thethe flexibleportion flexible portion 235235 of the of the body body 220. 220.

These ridges223A, These ridges 223A,223B 223B serve serve to to strengthen strengthen these these parts parts of of thethe elongate elongate body body 220,220,

while maintaining while maintaininga degree a degree of flexibility of flexibility in flexible in the the flexible portion portion 235 located 235 located

therebetween. therebetween.

[0105] The The outer outer clamp clamp bracket bracket for this for this particulargutter particular gutter connector connector100 100isis the the same same outer clampbracket outer clamp bracket 50 50 employed employed forgutter for the the gutter connector connector 10first 10 of the of theembodiment. first embodiment.

FourthEmbodiment

[0106] Fourth Embodiment

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

16 25 Jun 2025 Jun 2025

Figures

[0107] Figures 30 to3039toillustrate 39 illustrate another another variationofofthe variation thegutter gutter connectors connectorsof of the the previous previous embodiments comprising embodiments comprising an an inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 315315 (see (see Figures Figures 3034) 30 to to 34) 2020213331 25 and an outer and an outer clamp clampbracket bracket 350 350(see Figures3535toto39). (seeFigures 39).

[0108] For For easeease of reference, of reference, the features the features of inner of the the inner clampclamp bracket bracket 315 315 and and outer outer clamp bracket 350 clamp bracket 350 of of the the fourth fourth embodiment embodimenthave havebeen been given given reference reference 2020213331

numerals similar to numerals similar to those those given given with with respect respect to to the the inner innerclamp clamp bracket bracket 15 15 and outer and outer

clamp bracket5050ofofthe clamp bracket thegutter gutter connector connector1010ofofthe thefirst first embodiment, albeit with embodiment, albeit with the the prefix “3”. prefix "3".

In this

[0109] In this variation,thethe variation, mid-portion mid-portion of of thethe elongate elongate bodybody 320 320 of theofinner the inner clamp bracket315 clamp bracket 315comprises comprises a pair a pair of of cutcut outout portions portions 335A, 335A, 335B335B removed removed from from

laterally laterallyopposing sides of opposing sides of the theelongate elongatebody body 320, 320, suchsuch that that the portion the portion of theof the

elongate body320 elongate body 320disposed disposedbetween betweenthethe two two cutcut outportions out portions335A, 335A,335B, 335B, hereinafter hereinafter

denoted the denoted the flexibleportion flexible portion has has a width a width thatthat is less is less thanthan the width the width ofremainder of the the remainder of of the body the body320 320 of of thethe inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 315. 315. It It be will willappreciated be appreciated by persons by persons skilled skilled in in the relevantart the relevant artthat thatthe theflexibility flexibility imparted impartedtotothethe elongate elongate body body 320 of320 the of the inner inner

clamp bracket clamp bracket 315315 by virtue by virtue of this of this narrower narrower mid-portion mid-portion ensures ensures that thethat the inner inner clamp clamp

bracket 315 bracket 315 cancan flexflex sufficiently sufficiently to allow to allow it toit be tomounted be mounted within within the tightthe tight confines confines

associated with the associated with the open top channel open top channeldefined definedbybythe thebase baseand and thethe laterally opposing laterally opposing front and front rear walls and rear walls of of each eachofoftwo two gutters gutters 700, 700, 800800 to clamped to be be clamped together together as as described above described above with with respect respect to the to the gutter gutter connectors connectors 10, 10, 100 100 associated associated with the with firstthe first

and and second second embodiments. embodiments.

It willbebeapparent

[0110] It will apparent from from Figures Figures 3034toand 30 to 34 Figures and Figures 35 that 35 to 39 to 39the that the inner inner clamp bracket315 clamp bracket 315and and outer outer clamp clamp bracket bracket 350 350 are configured are configured differently differently to to

thoseassociated those associated with with the the first,second first, second and third and third embodiments embodiments in thatthan in that rather rather the than the complementary coupling complementary coupling means means described described above, above, the inner the inner clampclamp bracket bracket 315 (see 315 (see

Figures 30toto34) Figures 30 34)comprises comprisesa apair pairofofgenerally generallyelliptical elliptical apertures apertures 340A, 340A, 345A that 345A that

extend substantially through extend substantially through the the elongate elongatebody body320320 in spaced in spaced apart apart arrangement, arrangement,

while the while the corresponding outer clamp corresponding outer clampbracket bracket350 350(see Figures (seeFigures 3535 to to 39)comprises 39) comprises a a complementary pairofofpins complementary pair pins380, 380,385 385 upstanding upstanding fromfrom an upper an upper surface surface 362 362 of theof the

elongate body elongate body360 360inin spaced spacedapart apartarrangement. arrangement.

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

17 25 Jun 2025 Jun 2025

In this

[0111] In this arrangement, arrangement, eacheach pin 380, pin 380, 385the 385 of of outer the outer clampclamp bracket bracket 350 is350 is configured to extend configured to extend substantially substantially through through aacorresponding correspondingoneone of of thethe twotwo spaced spaced

2020213331 25 apart apart apertures apertures 340A, 345Aofof the 340A, 345A the inner inner clamp bracket 315 clamp bracket 315 when whenthe thetwo twobrackets bracketsare are nested together between nested together betweenthethe adjacent adjacent endend portions portions of two of two gutters gutters 700,700, 800be to be 800 to

clamped together. To clamped together. To complete complete the the process, process, each eachpin pin380, 380,385 385 comprises comprises an an 2020213331

externally threadedportion externally threaded portion (not (not shown) shown) thatthat enables enables a nut aornut or wingnut wingnut (not shown) (not shown) with with a a corresponding internally threaded corresponding internally portion to threaded portion to screw screw threadingly threadingly engage the pin engage the pin 380, 380, 385 to securely 385 to securelyclamp clamp thethe adjacent adjacent end portions end portions of theof thegutters two two gutters 700, 700, 800 800 together. together.

[0112] As As shown shown in Figures in Figures 35, 35, 36 and 36 and 38, 38, the the body body 360 360 of the of the outer outer clamp clamp bracket 350 comprises bracket 350 comprisesa asingle singleridge ridge363 363upstanding upstanding from from thethe upper upper surface surface 362 362 of of

the body the body360 360 that that extends extends along along the longitudinal the longitudinal axis axis ofbody of the the body 360 between 360 between the two the two pins 380,385. pins 380, 385.This This ridge ridge 363363 serves serves not as not only only an as an additional additional stiffener stiffener to strengthen to strengthen

the elongate the body360, elongate body 360,but butalso alsoasasa aspacer spacertotoassist assistinin positioning positioning the the inner inner clamp clamp

bracket 315 and bracket 315 andcontrolling controlling the the screw screwthreaded threadedengagement engagement of a of a or nut nutwingnut or wingnut to to each ofthe each of thetwo twopins pins380, 380, 385385 to prevent to prevent their their being being overtightened. overtightened.

Fifth Embodiment

[0113] Fifth Embodiment

Figures

[0114] Figures 40 to4049toillustrate 49 illustrate another another variationofofthe variation thegutter gutter connectors connectorsof of the the previous previous embodiments comprising embodiments comprising an an inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 415415 (see (see Figures Figures 4044) 40 to to 44) and an outer and an outer clamp clampbracket bracket 450 450(see Figures4545toto49). (seeFigures 49).

[0115] For For easeease of reference, of reference, the features the features of inner of the the inner clampclamp bracket bracket 415 415 and and outer outer clamp bracket 450 clamp bracket 450of of the the fifth fifth embodiment havebeen embodiment have beengiven givenreference referencenumerals numerals similar similar to to those those given given with with respect to the respect to the inner inner clamp clampbracket bracket1515and and outer outer clamp clamp

bracket 50ofofthe bracket 50 thefirst first embodiment, albeit embodiment, albeit with with thethe prefix prefix “4”. "4".

In this

[0116] In this variation, variation, thethe gutter gutter connector connector is designed is designed for installation for installation in in an an internal internal corner regionofofa aroof corner region roof(not (notshown) shown) of aofbuilding. a building. To this To this end, end, the inner the inner clamp clamp

bracket bracket 415 415 (see Figures4040toto44) (see Figures 44) and andthe theouter outer clamp clampbracket bracket450 450(see Figures (seeFigures 4545

to 49) to 49) share similar features share similar features to to the theinner innerclamp clamp bracket bracket 315 Figures3030toto34) (see Figures 315 (see 34) and the and the outer outer clamp clampbracket bracket350 350 (see (see Figures Figures 35 39) 35 to to 39) associated associated withwith the the gutter gutter

connector of the connector of the fourth fourth embodiment, but have embodiment, but havegenerally generallyV-shaped V-shapedprojections projections upstanding fromthe upstanding from theupper uppersurfaces surfaces 422, 422, 462462 at their at their respective respective first 425, first 425,465 465and and second ends430, second ends 430, 470 470 with with profilesthat profiles thatare aregenerally generallyopposite oppositetotothose thoseassociated associated

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

18 25 Jun 2025 Jun 2025

with the with the inner inner clamp clampbracket bracket315315 andand the the outer outer clampclamp bracket bracket 350 of350 the of the gutter gutter connector of the connector of the fourth fourth embodiment. Tothis embodiment. To this end, end,the the generally generally V-shaped V-shapedprojections projections 2020213331 25 at the first at the first ends 425, 465 ends 425, 465ofofthethe inner inner andand outer outer clamp clamp brackets brackets 415,are450 are 415, 450

configured to conform configured to conformtoto the the generally generally right right angled profile defined angled profile defined by by the the inner inner and and

outer facing surfaces, outer facing surfaces, respectively, respectively, of of the the rear rear walls walls 730, 730, 830 of the 830 of the two two adjoining adjoining 2020213331

“Quad” gutters "Quad" gutters 700, 700, 800, 800, while while the the generally generally V-shaped projections at V-shaped projections at the thesecond second ends ends

430, 1470 430, 1470of of the the inner inner and outer clamp and outer brackets 415, clamp brackets 415, 1450 1450are areconfigured configuredtoto conform conform to the to the correspondingly correspondingly shaped shaped profile profile defined defined by theby the and inner inner andfacing outer outersurfaces, facing surfaces, respectively, of the respectively, of the front front walls walls 720, 720,820. 820.

In this

[0117] In this variation,thethe variation, mid-portion mid-portion of of thethe elongate elongate bodybody 420 420 of theofinner the inner clamp bracket415 clamp bracket 415again againcomprises comprises a pair a pair of of cutcut outout portions portions 435A, 435A, 435B 435B removed removed

from laterally from laterally opposing opposing sides of the sides of the elongate body420 elongate body 420such such thatthetheportion that portionofofthe the elongate body elongate body420 420disposed disposedbetween betweenthethe two two cutcut outportions out portions435A, 435A,435B, 435B, hereinafter hereinafter

denoted theflexible denoted the flexibleportion, portion,has has a width a width that that is is less less than than the the width width of the of the remainder remainder of of the elongate the body420 elongate body 420ofofthe theinner inner clamp clampbracket bracket415. 415.Thus, Thus, whilenot while notshown, shown, it itwill will be appreciatedbybypersons be appreciated persons of ordinary of ordinary skill skill in in thethe relevant relevant artart that that thethe mode mode of of operation forclamping operation for clampingthethe adjacent adjacent end portions end portions of theof the two two gutters gutters 700, 800700, 800 together together

is is exactly exactly the the same as that same as that described described above abovewith withrespect respecttotothe thegutter gutterconnector connectorofof the fourth the fourth embodiment. embodiment.

[0118] As As shown shown in Figures in Figures 45, 45, 46 and 46 and 48, 48, the the body body 460 460 of the of the outer outer clamp clamp bracket 450 comprises bracket 450 comprisesa asingle singleridge ridge463 463upstanding upstanding from from thethe upper upper surface surface 462 462 of of

the body the body460 460 that that extends extends along along the longitudinal the longitudinal axis axis ofbody of the the body 460 between 460 between the two the two pins 480,485. pins 480, 485.This This ridge ridge 463463 serves serves not as not only only an as an additional additional stiffener stiffener to strengthen to strengthen

the elongate the body460, elongate body 460,but butalso alsoasasa aspacer spacertotoassist assistinin positioning positioning the the inner inner clamp clamp

bracket 415 and bracket 415 andcontrolling controlling the the screw screwthreaded threadedengagement engagement of a of a or nut nutwingnut or wingnut to to each ofthe each of thetwo twopins pins480, 480, 485485 to prevent to prevent their their being being overtightened. overtightened.

SixthEmbodiment

[0119] Sixth Embodiment

Figures

[0120] Figures 50 to5059toillustrate 59 illustrate another another variationofofthe variation thegutter gutter connectors connectorsof of the the previous previous embodiments comprising embodiments comprising an an inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 515515 (see (see Figures Figures 5054) 50 to to 54) and an outer and an outer clamp clampbracket bracket 550 550(see Figures5555toto59). (seeFigures 59).

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

19 25 Jun 2025 Jun 2025

[0121] For For easeease of reference, of reference, the features the features of inner of the the inner clampclamp bracket bracket 515 515 and and outer outer clamp bracket 550 clamp bracket 550 ofof the the sixth sixth embodiment embodimenthave have been been given given reference reference

2020213331 25 numerals similar to numerals similar to those those given given with with respect respect to to the the inner innerclamp clamp bracket bracket 15 15 and outer and outer

clamp bracket clamp bracket 50 50 of of thethe firstembodiment, first embodiment, albeit albeit with with the prefix the prefix "5". “5”.

In this

[0122] In this variation, variation, thethe gutter gutter connector connector is designed is designed for installation for installation at at an an 2020213331

external cornerregion external corner regionof of a a roof roof (not (not shown) shown) of aof a building. building. To this To this end, end, the inner the inner clamp clamp

bracket bracket 515 515 (see Figures5050toto54) (see Figures 54) and andthe theouter outer clamp clampbracket bracket550 550(see Figures (seeFigures 5555

to 59) to 59) share similar features share similar features to to the theinner innerclamp clamp bracket bracket 315 Figures3030toto34) (see Figures 315 (see 34) and the outer and the outer clamp clampbracket bracket350 350 (see (see Figures Figures 35 39) 35 to to 39) associated associated withwith the the gutter gutter

connector of the connector of the fourth fourthembodiment. embodiment.

In this

[0123] In this variation,thetheelongate variation, elongate body body 520 520 of inner of the the inner clampclamp bracket bracket 515 515 includes includes a a flexible flexibleportion portion535 535disposed disposed generally generallymid-way mid-way between thefirst between the first end end 525 525

and the second and the secondend end 530 530 of of thethe body body 520. 520. LikeLike the the internal internal clamp clamp bracket bracket 15 the 15 of of the first embodiment, first theflexible embodiment, the flexible portion portion 535 535ofofthe theinner innerclamp clamp bracket bracket 515 515 has ahas a thicknessthat thickness thatisisless lessthan thana athickness thickness of of thethe rest rest of of thethe body body 520, 520, thereby thereby providing providing a a means means byby which which to to facilitateflexing facilitate flexing of of the the inner inner clamp clampbracket bracket515515 as as and and when when

required. required.

[0124] As As shown shown in Figures in Figures 50 50 to to 54,the 54, theinner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 515 comprises a 515 comprises a pair pair of of generally elliptical apertures generally elliptical 540A,545A apertures 540A, 545A thatthat are are located located alongalong the longitudinal the longitudinal

axis axis of of the theelongate elongatebody body 520 520 and extend substantially and extend substantially through through the the elongate elongate body body 520 520

in in spaced apart arrangement. spaced apart arrangement.The The body body 520 520 of the of the inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 515 further 515 further

comprises comprises aaridge ridge523 523upstanding upstanding from from thethe upper upper surface surface 522 522 of the of the bodybody 520 that 520 that

extends generally extends generally parallel parallel to to thethe longitudinal longitudinal axis axis of body of the the 520, bodyalong 520,all along all but the but the

flexible portion flexible portion 535 of the 535 of thebody body520520 andand the the two two apertures apertures 540A, 540A, 545A. 545A. This This ridge 523ridge 523 serves to strengthen serves to strengthen the theparts partsofof the the elongate elongatebody body520520 either either side side of of thethe flexible flexible

portion 535,while portion 535, whilemaintaining maintaining a degree a degree of flexibility of flexibility in in thethe flexible flexible portion portion 535535 located located

therebetween. therebetween.

[0125] As As shown shown in Figures in Figures 55 55 to to 58,the 58, theouter outer clamp clamp bracket bracket 550 comprises a 550 comprises a complementary pairofofpins complementary pair pins580, 580,585 585 upstanding upstanding from from a corresponding a corresponding basebase portion portion

580A, 585Athat 580A, 585A thatisis itself itself upstanding upstanding from from an an upper surface 562 upper surface 562of of the the elongate elongate body body 560 in spaced 560 in apart arrangement. spaced apart arrangement. Each Each of of the the two two pins pins 580, 580, 585 585 comprises comprises an an

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

20 25 Jun 2025 2020213331 25 Jun 2025

externally externally threaded portion. The threaded portion. body560 The body 560 of of thethe outer outer clamp clamp bracket bracket 550 further 550 further

comprises comprises aasingle single ridge ridge 563 upstandingfrom 563 upstanding fromthe theupper uppersurface surface562 562ofofthe thebody body560 560 that extends that extendsgenerally generally parallel parallel to to thethe longitudinal longitudinal axis axis of body of the the body 560,all 560, along along but all but the parts the parts of of the body 520 the body 520atatwhich whichthethe twotwo pins pins 580, 580, 585 585 and and theirtheir basebase portions portions

580A, 585Aare 580A, 585A arelocated. located.This Thisridge ridge563 563serves serves not not only only asas an an additionalstiffener additional stiffener to to 2020213331

strengthen the strengthen the elongate elongatebody body560, 560,but butalso alsoasas a spacer a spacer to to assist assist in in positioningthe positioning the inner inner clamp bracket 515 clamp bracket 515and andcontrolling controlling the the screw screwthreaded threadedengagement engagement of aofnut a nut or or

wingnut to wingnut to each eachofof the the two twoexternally externally threaded threadedpins pins580, 580,585 585totoprevent preventtheir theirbeing being overtightened. overtightened.

Thus,

[0126] Thus, as as shown shown in in Figure Figure 60,when 60, when theinner the inner clamp clampbracket bracket 515 515 and and the the outer outer clamp bracket 550 clamp bracket 550are areused usedtotoclamp clamptogether togetherthe theadjacent adjacentend end portionsofofthe portions the two gutters two gutters 700, 700, 800 together, the 800 together, the two pins 580, two pins 580, 585 at the 585 at the upper surface 562 upper surface 562of of the the body 560ofofthe body 560 theouter outer clamp clamp bracket bracket 550 550 are located are located between between the adjacent the adjacent end end portions of the portions of thetwo twogutters gutters700, 700, 800800 and and are available are available to extend to extend substantially substantially through through

a a corresponding oneof corresponding one of the the two two apertures apertures 540A, 540A, 545A 545Aassociated associatedwith withthe thebody body520 520ofof the inner the inner clamp clampbracket bracket515 515 when when substantially substantially aligned. aligned. Once Once received, received, a a corresponding corresponding mechanical mechanical fastener fastener in theinform the of form of or a nut a nut or wingnut wingnut having having an an internally internally

threaded portion threaded portion isis threadingly threadingly engaged engaged to the to the two two pins pins 580, 580, 585 to585 to the clamp clamp the adjacent endportions adjacent end portionsofofthe thetwo twogutters gutters700, 700,800800 substantiallybetween substantially between the the inner inner

clamp bracket 515 clamp bracket 515and andthe theouter outer clamp clampbracket bracket550. 550.

[0127] As As described described above above in respect in respect of of thethe gutterconnector gutter connector1010of ofthe thefirst first embodiment, embodiment, byby virtueofofthe virtue theinner innerclamp clampbracket bracket515515 having having a flexible a flexible portion535 portion 535 located generally mid-way located generally mid-wayalong alongthethe length length of of thethe elongate elongate body body 520,520, it becomes it becomes

simpler to mount simpler to mountthethe inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 515 within 515 within the confines the tight tight confines associated associated with with the open the top channel open top channeldefined definedbybythe thebase base 710, 710, 810810 and and the the laterally laterally opposing opposing front front

walls 720, walls 720, 820 and rear 820 and rear walls walls 730, 730, 830 830 ofof each eachofofthe thetwo twogutters gutters 700, 700,800, 800, particularly particularly where one where one of of the the walls, walls, namely namely the the front front walls walls 720, 720, 820 820 in in case, this this case, which which

both haveananinwardly both have inwardlyextending extending recessed recessed portion portion 725,725, 825 825 that that would would preclude preclude a a conventional, non-flexible inner conventional, non-flexible inner clamp clampbracket bracketfrom from being being mounted mounted between between the the laterally laterallyopposing opposing front frontwalls walls720, 720,820 820 and rear walls and rear walls 730, 730, 830 of the 830 of the two two adjoining adjoining gutters 700, gutters 700,800 800easily. easily.

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

21 25 Jun 2025 2020213331 25 2025

SeventhEmbodiment

[0128] Seventh Embodiment Jun Figures

[0129] Figures 61 to6170toillustrate 70 illustrate another another variationofofthe variation thegutter gutter connectors connectorsof of the the previous previous embodiments comprising embodiments comprising an an inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 615615 (see (see Figures Figures 6165) 61 to to 65) and an outer and an outer clamp clampbracket bracket 650 650(see Figures6666toto70). (seeFigures 70).

[0130] For For easeease of reference, the features of inner the inner clampclamp bracket 615 and 2020213331

of reference, the features of the bracket 615 and

outer outer clamp bracket 650 clamp bracket of the 650 of the seventh seventh embodiment havebeen embodiment have beengiven givenreference reference numerals similar to numerals similar to those those given given with with respect respect to to the the inner innerclamp clamp bracket bracket 15 15 and outer and outer

clamp bracket clamp bracket 50 50 of of thethe firstembodiment, first embodiment, albeit albeit with with the prefix the prefix "6". “6”.

In this

[0131] In this variation, variation, thethe gutter gutter connector connector is designed is designed for installation for installation at at an an internal internal corner regionofofa aroof corner region roof(not (notshown) shown) of aofbuilding. a building. To this To this end, end, the inner the inner clamp clamp

bracket bracket 615 615 (see Figures6161toto65) (see Figures 65) and andthe theouter outer clamp clampbracket bracket650 650(see Figures (seeFigures 6666

to 70) to sharesimilar 70) share similarfeatures featuresatatthe thefirst first625, 625,665 665andand second second ends ends 630, 630, 670 670 thereof thereof to to the corresponding the first 425, corresponding first 425,465 465and and second ends430, second ends 430, 470 470ofof the the inner inner clamp bracket clamp bracket

415 (see 415 Figures4040toto44) (see Figures 44)and andthe theouter outerclamp clamp bracket bracket 450 450 (see (see Figures Figures 4549) 45 to to 49) associated withthe associated with thegutter gutter connector connector of the of the fifth fifth embodiment. embodiment.

In this

[0132] In this variation,however, variation, however,the theelongate elongatebody body620 620 ofofthe theinner innerclamp clampbracket bracket 615 includes aa flexible 615 includes flexible portion portion635 635disposed disposed generally generally mid-way betweenthe mid-way between thefirst first end end

625 andthe 625 and thesecond second end end 630630 of the of the body body 620.620. LikeLike the the internal internal clamp clamp bracket bracket 15 of 15 of

the first the first embodiment, the flexible embodiment, the flexible portion portion635 635 of of the the inner inner clamp clamp bracket 615 has bracket 615 hasa a thicknessthat thickness thatisisless lessthan thana athickness thickness of of thethe rest rest of of thethe body body 620, 620, thereby thereby providing providing a a means means byby which which to to facilitateflexing facilitate flexing of of the the inner inner clamp clampbracket bracket615615 as as and and when when

required. required.

[0133] As As shown shown in Figures in Figures 61 61 to to 65,the 65, theinner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 615 comprises a 615 comprises a pair pair of of generally elliptical apertures generally elliptical 640A,645A apertures 640A, 645A thatthat are are located located alongalong the longitudinal the longitudinal

axis axis of of the theelongate elongatebody body 620 620 and extend substantially and extend substantially through through the the elongate elongate body body 620 620

in in spaced apart arrangement. spaced apart arrangement.The The body body 620 620 of the of the inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket 615 further 615 further

comprises comprises aaridge ridge623 623upstanding upstanding from from thethe upper upper surface surface 622 622 of the of the bodybody 620 that 620 that

extends generally extends generally parallel parallel to to thethe longitudinal longitudinal axis axis of body of the the 620, bodyalong 620,all along all but the but the

flexible portion flexible portion635 635ofofthe body the body620 620and and the the two two apertures apertures 640A, 645A. As 640A, 645A. Asdescribed described above, this ridge above, this ridge 623 623 serves to strengthen serves to the parts strengthen the parts of of the the elongate elongate body 620either body 620 either

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

22 25 Jun 2025 Jun 2025

side of the side of the flexible flexible portion portion635, 635,while while maintaining maintaining a degree a degree of flexibility of flexibility in the in the flexible flexible

portion portion 635 635 located located therebetween. therebetween.

2020213331 25

As shown

[0134] As shown in Figures in Figures 66 to 66 69, to 69,outer the the outer clamp clamp bracketbracket 650 comprises 650 comprises a a complementary pairofofpins complementary pair pins680, 680,685 685upstanding upstanding from from a corresponding a corresponding basebase portion portion

680A, 685Athat 680A, 685A thatisis itself itself upstanding upstanding from from an an upper surface 662 upper surface 662of of the the elongate elongate body body 2020213331

660 in spaced 660 in spaced apart apart arrangement. arrangement. Each Each of of the the two two pins pins 680, 680, 685 685 comprises comprises an an externally externally threaded portion. The threaded portion. body660 The body 660 of of thethe outer outer clamp clamp bracket bracket 650 further 650 further

comprises comprises aasingle single ridge ridge 663 upstandingfrom 663 upstanding fromthe theupper uppersurface surface662 662ofofthe thebody body660 660 that extends that extendsgenerally generally parallel parallel to to thethe longitudinal longitudinal axis axis of body of the the body 660,all 660, along along but all but the parts the parts of of the body 620 the body 620atatwhich whichthethe twotwo pins pins 680, 680, 685 685 and and theirtheir basebase portions portions

680A, 685Aare 680A, 685A arelocated. located.AsAs described described above, above, thisthis ridge ridge 663663 serves serves not not onlyonly as an as an

additional stiffener to additional stiffener to strengthen theelongate strengthen the elongate body body 660, 660, but also but also as a spacer as a spacer to assist to assist

in positioning the in positioning the inner inner clamp clampbracket bracket 615 615 and controlling and controlling the screw the screw threaded threaded

engagement engagement of of aa nutororwingnut nut wingnuttotoeach eachofofthe thetwo twoexternally externally threaded threadedpins pins680, 680,685 685 to prevent to their being prevent their beingovertightened. overtightened.

While

[0135] While notnot shown, shown, when when thethe innerclamp inner clampbracket bracket 615 615and andthe the outer outer clamp clamp bracket 650 are bracket 650 are used usedtotoclamp clamptogether togetherthe theadjacent adjacentend end portionsofofthe portions thetwo twogutters gutters 700, 800 together, 700, 800 together, the the two two pins pins 680, 680, 685 at the 685 at the upper upper surface surface 662 of the 662 of the body 660of body 660 of the outer the outer clamp bracket5650 clamp bracket 5650are arelocated locatedbetween between the the adjacent adjacent end end portions portions of the of the

two gutters two gutters 700, 700, 800 800andand are are available available to extend to extend substantially substantially through through a a corresponding oneofofthe corresponding one the two two apertures apertures 5640A, 5640A,645A 645A associated associated with with the the body body 620620 of of

the inner the inner clamp clampbracket bracket615 615 when when substantially substantially aligned. aligned. Once Once received, received, a a corresponding mechanical corresponding mechanical fastener fastener in theinform the of form of a a nut or nut or wingnut wingnut having having an an internally internally

threaded portion threaded portion isis threadingly threadingly engaged engaged to the to the two two pins pins 680, 680, 685 to685 to the clamp clamp the adjacent endportions adjacent end portionsofofthe thetwo twogutters gutters700, 700,800800 substantiallybetween substantially between the the inner inner

clamp bracket 615 clamp bracket 615and andthe theouter outer clamp clampbracket bracket650. 650.

Advantages

[0136] Advantages

[0137] NowNow thatthat several several preferredembodiments preferred embodimentsofofthe thepresent present disclosure disclosure have have been described been described it it willbebeapparent will apparent to those to those skilled skilled in the in the art art thatthat the the gutter gutter connectors connectors

have atleast have at leastthe thefollowing followingadvantage: advantage:

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

23 25 Jun 2025 Jun 2025

1. 1. Theinner The innerand and outer outer clamp clamp brackets brackets associated associated with thewith the variations variations of the of the gutter gutter connectors described herein connectors described herein can can be benested nestedtogether togethertotoclamp clamp together together

2020213331 25 adjacent end adjacent end portions portions of of twotwo gutters gutters 700,700, 800 800 to to form form an effective an effective seal seal at at either either

an externalororinternal an external internalcorner corner region region of aofbuilding, a building, withwith or without or without theofuse the use a of a

sealant sealant (not (not shown) shown) or or gasket gasket (shown) disposedtherebetween. (shown) disposed therebetween. 2020213331

OtherEmbodiments

[0138] Other Embodiments

It will

[0139] It will be appreciated be appreciated by persons by persons skilled skilled in in the relevant the relevant art that art the that the various various embodiments embodiments ofof thegutter the gutterconnectors connectorsdescribed describedherein hereinare arenot notsimply simplylimited limited for for use use

with the with the “Quad” "Quad" gutters gutters 700, 700, 800 800 shown in Figures shown in 11 to Figures 11 to 12, 12, 23 to 24 23 to and 60. 24 and Rather, 60. Rather,

ititshould be appreciated should be appreciated that that each each of the of the gutter gutter connectors connectors of theof the embodiments embodiments of the of the present disclosuremaymay present disclosure be configured be configured forwith for use use gutters with gutters (not shown) (not shown) having different having different

shapes andconfigurations. shapes and configurations.

It will

[0140] It will be be appreciated appreciated by persons by persons skilledskilled in the in the relevant relevant art thatart thethat the complementary couplingmeans complementary coupling means is not is not limitedtotothe limited the modes modes described described above, above, butbut maymay

include othermeans include other means of coupling of coupling to facilitate to facilitate an effective an effective seal seal when when clamping clamping the end the end

portions of the portions of the two twogutters gutters700, 700,800800 together together substantially substantially therebetween. therebetween.

[0141] For For instance, instance, the the complementary complementary coupling coupling means means is not is not limited limited to just to just two two pins pins or or threaded apertures disposed threaded apertures disposedalong alongthe thebody bodyof of theinner the innerand/or and/orouter outerclamp clamp brackets brackets in in spaced apart arrangement, spaced apart arrangement, but but may include more may include more than than two twopins pinsoror threadedapertures, threaded apertures, as as required required to facilitate to facilitate an an effective effective seal. seal.

Definitions

[0142] Definitions

Whenever

[0143] Whenever a range a range is given is given in specification, in the the specification, forfor example, example, a temperature a temperature

range, a time range, a time range, range, or or concentration range, all concentration range, all intermediate intermediate ranges ranges and subranges, and subranges,

as well as as well as all all individual individual values included inin the values included theranges rangesgiven given areare intended intended to be to be

included in the included in the disclosure. disclosure. It It will willbe be understood that any understood that anysubranges subranges or individual or individual

values in values in aa range rangeororsubrange subrange that that areare included included in the in the description description herein herein can can be be excluded from excluded from thethe claims claims herein. herein.

[0144] All All definitions,asasdefined definitions, definedand andused usedherein, herein,should shouldbebeunderstood understood to to control control

over dictionarydefinitions, over dictionary definitions,definitions definitionsinin documents documents incorporated incorporated by reference, by reference, and/or and/or

ordinary ordinary meanings of the meanings of the defined defined terms. terms.

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

24 25 Jun 2025 Jun 2025

Throughout

[0145] Throughout this this application, application, the the term term “about” "about" is used is used to indicate to indicate that athat a value includes value includes the theinherent inherentvariation variationofoferror errorforforthethe device, device, thethe method method being being

2020213331 25 employed employed totodetermine determine the the value, value, or variation or the the variation that that exists exists amongamong the study the study

subjects. subjects.

[0146] The The indefinite indefinite articles articles "a"“a” andand “an,” "an," as as usedused herein herein in specification, in the the specification, 2020213331

unless clearlyindicated unless clearly indicatedtotothe thecontrary, contrary,should should be be understood understood to "at to mean mean “atone." least least one.”

[0147] TheThe phrase phrase “and/or,” "and/or," as as used used herein herein in the in the specification,should specification, shouldbebe understood understood to to mean mean “either "either or both” or both" ofelements of the the elements so conjoined, so conjoined, i.e., elements i.e., elements that that are conjunctively present are conjunctively present in in some somecases cases andand disjunctively disjunctively present present in other in other cases. cases.

Multiple elements Multiple elements listed listed with with “and/or” "and/or" should should be construed be construed in the in the same samei.e., fashion, fashion, i.e., “one or more" "one or more” of of the the elements elements so so conjoined. conjoined. Other elements may Other elements mayoptionally optionally be be present otherthan present other than thethe elements elements specifically specifically identified identified by "and/or" by the the “and/or” clause, clause, whether whether

related or unrelated related or unrelatedto tothose those elements elements specifically specifically identified. identified. Thus, Thus, as a non-limiting as a non-limiting

example, example, a areference referencetoto"A“Aand/or and/or B",B”, when when usedused in conjunction in conjunction with with open-ended open-ended

language suchasas"comprising" language such “comprising” cancan refer,ininone refer, one embodiment, embodiment, to Ato A only only (optionally (optionally

including elementsother including elements otherthan than B);B); in in another another embodiment, embodiment, to B(optionally to B only only (optionally including including elements otherthan elements other thanA);A);in inyetyet another another embodiment, embodiment, to Aboth to both and BA and B

(optionally including other (optionally including otherelements); elements); etc. etc.

Spatially

[0148] Spatially relative relative terms, terms, such such as as “inner,” "inner," “outer,” "outer," “beneath,” "beneath," “below,” "below," "lower,"“lower,”

“above,” “upper,”and "above," "upper," and thethe like,maymay like, be used be used hereinherein forofease for ease of description description to describe to describe

one element one element or or feature's feature's relationship relationship to another to another element(s) element(s) or feature(s) or feature(s) as illustrated as illustrated

in in the Figures. Spatially the Figures. Spatially relative relative terms maybe be terms may intended intended to encompass to encompass different different

orientations of the orientations of thedevice deviceininuse use or or operation operation in addition in addition to orientation to the the orientation depicted depicted in in the Figures. the Figures.

While

[0149] While thethe inventionhas invention has been been described described in in conjunctionwith conjunction witha a limited limited number number ofofembodiments, embodiments,it it willbebeappreciated will appreciatedbyby those those skilledininthe skilled theart art that that many many alternatives, modifications alternatives, modifications and variations in and variations in light light of of the the foregoing description are foregoing description are possible. Accordingly, the possible. Accordingly, thepresent present invention invention is intended is intended to embrace to embrace all suchall such

alternatives, modifications alternatives, modificationsand and variations variations as may as may fall fall within within the spirit the spirit and and scopescope of theof the invention asdisclosed. invention as disclosed.

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

25 25 Jun 2025 2020213331 25 Jun 2025

Where

[0150] Where the terms the terms "comprise", "comprise", "comprises", "comprises", "comprised" "comprised" or "comprising" or "comprising" are are used used ininthis thisspecification specification(including (including thethe provisional provisional claims) claims) they they are are to be to be interpreted interpreted

as specifyingthe as specifying thepresence presence of the of the stated stated features, features, integers, integers, steps steps or components, or components, but but not precluding the not precluding thepresence presence of one of one or more or more other features, other features, integers, integers, steps or steps or

components, components, ororgroup groupthereof. thereof. 2020213331

Various

[0151] Various alterations alterations and/or and/or additions additions may may be be introduced introduced into theinto the gutter gutter connector connector asas hereinbefore hereinbefore described described without without departing departing from the from the spirit or spirit ambit or of ambit the of the invention asdefined invention as definedbyby thethe claims. claims.

In the

[0152] In the claims claims which which follow follow andand in in the the preceding preceding descriptionofofthe description theinvention, invention, except wherethe except where thecontext contextrequires requiresotherwise otherwisedue due to to express express language language or necessary or necessary

implication, the word implication, the word"comprise" “comprise” or variations or variations such such as “comprises” as "comprises" or “comprising” or "comprising" is is used used ininan aninclusive inclusivesense, sense, i.e.i.e. to to specify specify thethe presence presence of theofstated the stated features features but not but not

to preclude to thepresence preclude the presence or addition or addition of further of further features features in various in various embodiments embodiments of the of the invention. invention.

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

26 25 Jun 2025 Jun 2025

Claims Claims

1. 1. A gutter A gutter connector connector including: including:

inner inner and outer clamp clamp brackets brackets adapted adapted to to clamp clamptogether together adjacent adjacent end end 2020213331 25

and outer portions of two portions of twogutters gutterssubstantially substantiallytherebetween, therebetween, wherein each eachofof the the inner inner and outer clamp brackets includes includes an an elongate elongatebody, body, 2020213331

wherein and outer clamp brackets

and wherein and wherein thethe body body of inner of the the inner clampclamp bracketbracket is configured is configured with a portion, with a flexible flexible portion, the flexible the flexible portion definedbybyatatleast portion defined leastoneone dimension dimension thatless that is is less than than a dimension a dimension of of a remainder a remainder of of the the body body to enable to enable the body the body of the of the clamp inner inner bracket clamp to bracket toorder flex in flex in order to locate to the inner locate the innerclamp clamp bracket bracket within within an open an open top channel top channel defined defined by the adjoining by the adjoining

gutters. gutters.

2. 2. A gutter A gutter connector connector according according to claim to claim 1, wherein 1, wherein the flexible the flexible portion portion has a has a thicknessthat thickness thatisis less lessthan thana athickness thickness of of thethe remainder remainder of body of the the body of the of the clamp inner inner clamp bracket. bracket.

3. 3. A gutter A gutter connector connectoraccording accordingtotoclaim claim1, 1,wherein wherein thethe flexibleportion flexible portionhashas a a width that width that is is less thanaawidth less than widthofofthe theremainder remainder of the of the body body of inner of the the inner clampclamp bracket. bracket.

4. 4. A gutter A gutter connector according to connector according to any any one oneofofclaims claims11to to 3, 3, wherein wherein each eachofofthe the two gutters two guttersisisdefined definedbyby a base a base and and two laterally two laterally opposing opposing walls upstanding walls upstanding from the from the base todefine base to defineanan open open top top channel channel therewithin, therewithin, and wherein and wherein the two the two laterally laterally

opposing wallstogether opposing walls togetherdefine definea structure a structure that that would would preclude preclude the inner the inner clamp clamp

bracket from locating bracket from locating within within the the open opentop topchannel channeldefined defined by by thethe adjoining adjoining gutters gutters

withoutfirstly without firstly flexing flexing the the body of the body of the inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket at at thethe flexible flexible portion. portion.

5. 5. A gutter A gutter connector connector according according to any to any oneclaims one of of claims 1 to 14,towherein 4, wherein the body the body of of each of the each of the inner inner and outer clamp and outer clampbrackets bracketsisis configured configured at at respective respective terminal terminal ends ends

thereof to thereof to engage engagewith witha a corresponding corresponding inner inner or outer or outer facing facing surface surface of two of the the two laterally laterally opposing wallsofofeach opposing walls each gutter. gutter.

6. 6. A gutter A gutter connector connector according according to any to any oneclaims one of of claims 1 to 15,towherein 5, wherein the body the body of of each of the each of the inner inner and and outer outer clamp clamp brackets brackets includes includes complementary couplingmeans. complementary coupling means.

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

27 25 Jun 2025 Jun 2025

7. 7. A gutter A gutter connector connector according according to claim to claim 6, wherein 6, wherein the complementary the complementary coupling coupling

means includestwo means includes twoorormore morepins pinsupstanding upstandingfrom from anan upper upper surface surface of of thebody the bodyofofthe the 2020213331 25 outer outer clamp bracketand clamp bracket andtwo twoorormore more apertures apertures extending extending substantially substantially through through the the

body of the body of the inner inner clamp clampbracket, bracket,wherein wherein each each aperture aperture is configured is configured to receive to receive a a

corresponding oneof of corresponding one thethe twotwo or more or more pins substantially pins substantially therethrough therethrough when the when the 2020213331

adjacent end portions adjacent end portions of of the the two gutters are two gutters are clamped togethersubstantially clamped together substantially between between the inner the inner and andouter outerclamp clamp brackets. brackets.

8. 8. A gutter A gutter connector connectoraccording accordingtotoclaim claim7,7,wherein wherein thethe twotwo or more or more pins pins are are disposed alongthe disposed along theupper uppersurface surfaceofofthe thebody bodyof of theouter the outerclamp clamp bracket bracket in in spaced spaced

apart apart arrangement, andwherein arrangement, and wherein thethe twotwo or or more more apertures apertures are disposed are disposed alongalong the the

body of the body of the inner inner clamp clamp bracket bracket in inaacorresponding corresponding spaced apart arrangement. spaced apart arrangement.

9. 9. A gutter A gutter connector connector according according to claim to claim 6, wherein 6, wherein the complementary the complementary coupling coupling

means includestwo means includes two or or more more apertures apertures extending extending substantially substantially through through the the bodybody of of each of the each of the inner inner and and outer outer clamping clamping brackets that are brackets that are configured configured to tobe beengaged by aa engaged by

respective pair of respective pair of fasteners fasteners for for clamping clampingofofthe theadjacent adjacentend end portions portions of of thethe twotwo

gutters substantiallybetween gutters substantially betweenthethe inner inner and and outerouter clampclamp brackets. brackets.

10. 10. A gutter A gutter connector connector according according to to claim claim 9,9, wherein wherein thetwo the two orormore more apertures apertures are are

disposed alongthe disposed along thebody body of of thethe inner inner and/or and/or outer outer clamp clamp bracket bracket in spaced in spaced apart apart

arrangement. arrangement.

11. 11. A A gutterconnector gutter connectoraccording accordingtotoclaim claim 99oror10, 10,wherein whereinthe thetwo twoorormore more apertures extending substantially apertures extending substantially through through the the body bodyofofatat least least one oneofofthe theinner inner and and outer outer clamping brackets are clamping brackets are threaded threaded apertures. apertures.

12. 12. A gutter A gutter connector connector according according to claim to claim 11, wherein 11, wherein each each of theoftwo theortwo moreor more threaded apertures threaded aperturesisis formed formedwithin withinaacorresponding corresponding protrusionupstanding protrusion upstanding from from an an upper surfaceofofthe upper surface thebody body of of thethe inner inner and/or and/or outer outer clampclamp bracket. bracket.

13. 13. A gutter A gutter connector connector according according to claim to claim 12,12, wherein wherein eacheach protrusion protrusion upstanding upstanding

from the from the upper upper surface surfaceof of the the body bodyofof the the inner inner clamp clampbracket bracketisis adapted adaptedtotoatatleast least partially partially receive receive aa corresponding corresponding protrusion protrusion upstanding upstanding from from the thesurface upper upper of surface the of the body ofthe body of theouter outerclamp clamp bracket. bracket.

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

28 25 Jun 2025 Jun 2025

14. 14. A gutter A gutter connector connector according according to to any any oneone of of claims claims 1 to13, 1 to 13,wherein whereinatatleast leastone one of of the the inner andouter inner and outerclamp clamp brackets brackets is manufactured is manufactured from a from metal aormetal metalor metal alloy. alloy.

15. A gutter connector according to to claim 14,14, wherein thethe metal is is a galvanised or or 2020213331 25

15. A gutter connector according claim wherein metal a galvanised

coated metal. coated metal. 2020213331

16. 16. A gutter A gutter connector connector according according to claim to claim 14, 14, wherein wherein the the metal metal is selected is selected fromfrom

the group the groupconsisting consistingof of steel,aluminium, steel, aluminium, iron, iron, brass brass and and copper. copper.

17. 17. A gutter A gutter connector connector according according to claim to claim 14, 14, wherein wherein the the metal metal alloy alloy is selected is selected

fromthe from thegroup group consisting consisting of of brass. brass.

18. 18. A gutter A gutter connector connector according according to to any any oneone of of claims claims 1 to17, 1 to 17,wherein whereinatatleast leastone one of of the the inner andouter inner and outerclamp clamp brackets brackets is produced is produced by stamping by stamping or 3D printing. or 3D printing.

19. 19. A gutter A gutter connector connector according according to to any any oneone of of claims claims 1 to13, 1 to 13,wherein whereinatatleast leastone one of of the the inner andouter inner and outerclamp clamp brackets brackets is manufactured is manufactured from anfrom an engineering engineering plastic. plastic.

20. 20. A gutter A gutter connector connector according according to claim to claim 19, wherein 19, wherein the engineering the engineering plastic plastic is is selected fromthethe selected from group group consisting consisting of acrylonitrile of acrylonitrile butadiene butadiene styrenestyrene (ABS), (ABS),

polypropylene (PP), high polypropylene (PP), high density density polyethylene polyethylene (HDPE), (HDPE),polycarbonate polycarbonate (PC), (PC), polyvinyl polyvinyl

chloride chloride (PVC) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PVC) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). (PTFE).

21. 21. A gutter A gutter connector connector according according to claim to claim 1920, 19 or or wherein 20, wherein at least at least one one of theof the inner andouter inner and outerclamp clamp brackets brackets is produced is produced by injection by injection moulding moulding or 3D printing. or 3D printing.

21835951_1(GHMatters) 21835951_1 (GHMatters)P126447.AU P126447.AU

1/29 30A 06 Aug 2020 06 Aug 2020

1/29 30A 15 15

30 30

45A 45A

23A 30B 30B 23A 22 22 2020213331

2020213331

40A 40A 25A 25A 45 45 25 25

20 20 35 35

25B 40 40 25B 23B 23B

FIGURE FIGURE 11 25 25 25A 25A 15 15

25B 25B 40A 40A 20 20 23A 23A 30A 30A 22 22 30B 30B

23B 23B 40 40 30 30

35 35

FIGURE 2 FIGURE 2

2/29 06 Aug 2020 06 Aug 2020

2/29 30B 30B 15 15 25B 25B

20 20

25 25 40A 40A 30 30 35 35 2020213331

2020213331

40 40

FIGURE 3 FIGURE 3 20 20 24 24 35 35 25A 25A 23A 15 23A 40A 40A 30A 30A 15 40 45A 45A 40 25 25

25B 25B

30 30

45 45 23B 30B 30B 23B 22 22 20 FIGURE 4 FIGURE 4 20

35 35 25B 25B 40A 40A 45 45 45A 45A 30B 30B 15 15 25 25

25A 25A 30 30

40 40 30A 24 24 30A FIGURE 5 FIGURE 5

3/29 06 Aug 2020 06 Aug 2020

3/29 50 50 70A 70A

70B 70B 71 71

70 70 85A 85A 2020213331

2020213331

62 62 65A 65A 72 72 80A 80A 65 65 85 85

65B 65B 60 60 80 80

FIGURE 6 FIGURE 6

65A 65A 65B 65B

80A 70A 70A 65 65 80A 50 50 71 71 70B 70B

62 72 62 72

70 70 60 60

80 80

FIGURE 7 FIGURE 7

4/29 06 Aug 2020 06 Aug 2020

4/29 50 50 70B 70B

65B 65B 72 72

80A 60 70 70 65 80A 60 65 2020213331

2020213331

80 80

64 FIGURE 8 FIGURE 8 64

60 60 50 50

65A 62 62 70A 70A 65A 80A 80A 85A 85A 70 70 65 65 65B 65B

80 80 85 85 70B 70B FIGURE 9 FIGURE 9 50 50 60 60

65B 65B 70B 70B 65 65 70 70 65A 65A

64 64 FIGURE 10 FIGURE 10 70A 70A

5/29 06 Aug 2020 2020213331 06 Aug 2020

700 700 5/29 10 10 725 725 720 720

710 710 730 730 15 15 2020213331

A A55 50 50 830 830 A A44 825 825 A3 A3 A2 A A11 A 800 800 810 810 10 10 820 820 FIGURE 11 FIGURE 11 15 15

800 800 700 700 820 820

720 720

725 725 825 825

50 50

730 730 710 710 810 810

FIGURE 12 FIGURE 12

125A 6/29 125A 06 Aug 2020 06 Aug 2020

115 115 125B 125B 140A 140A 125 125

122 122 120 120 123A 123A 2020213331

130A 130B 2020213331

130A 130B 145A 145A

140 140 130 130 123B 123B

135 135

145 145

FIGURE 13 FIGURE 13

125B 125B 125A 125A 140A 140A 115 115 125 125

140 140 135 135 145A 123B 145A 123B 130B 130B 130A 130 130 130A 123A 123A

122 122

120 120 145 145

FIGURE 14 FIGURE 14

7/29 06 Aug 2020 06 2020

7/29 115 115 125A 125A

2020213331 Aug

130A 130A 125 125 120 120 140A 140A

130 130 145A 145A 140 135 2020213331

140 135

145 145

124 124 115 115 FIGURE 15 FIGURE 15 122 122 120 120 130A 130A 123A 135 135 123A 145A 145A 140A 125A 125A 140A

130 130 125 125

130B 130B

140 140 145 145 123B 123B 125B 125B 115 115 FIGURE 16 FIGURE 16 120 120 135 135 130B 130B 125B 125B 145 145 145A 140A 140A 145A

130 130 125 125

130A 130A

140 140 125A 125A

FIGURE 17 FIGURE 17

165A 165A 150 150 8/29 06 Aug 2020 2020213331 06 Aug 2020

8/29

170A 170A 165B 165B 170B 170B 180A 170 170 180A 160 160 171 171 162 2020213331

162 165 165 185A 185A

180 180

185 185

172 172

FIGURE 18 FIGURE 18 165B 165B 165 165

165A 165A 150 150

170A 170A 170B 160 160 170B 180A 180A 162 162

185A 185A

172 172 180 180

185 185 170 170

171 171

FIGURE 19 FIGURE 19

170A 170A 9/29 06 Aug 2020 2020213331 06 2020

9/29 150 150

Aug 165A 165A 165 165 160 160 170 170 180A 180A 185A 185A 2020213331

180 180 185 185

FIGURE 20 FIGURE 20 172 172 150 164 164 150 160 160 162 162 165B 165B 185A 185A 180A 180A

165 65 170 170 170B 170B 170A 170A

165A 165A 185 180 180 185

FIGURE 21 FIGURE 21 172 172 150 171 171 150 160 160

164 164 165B 165B

170 170 165 165 170B 170B 170A 170A

165A 165A

171 171

FIGURE 22 FIGURE 22

10/29 06 Aug 2020 06 Aug 2020

10/29 820 820 810 810 830 830 825 825 800 800 115 115 100 100

A1 A2 A2 A 2020213331

2020213331

A3 A A44 A 720 720 700 700

150 150 725 725

730 730 710 710

FIGURE 23 FIGURE 23

115 115 100 100

830 830 700 700 800 800

730 730

A A4 A44 A4

A3 A3 A A33

A2 A2 150 A2 A2 150 A1 A1 A A 825 825 710 710 820 725 725 FIGURE 24 FIGURE 24 820 810 810 720

11/29 06 Aug 2020 2020213331 06 2020

11/29 225A 225A 225 225 215 Aug 215 225B 225B

223A 240A 223A 240A 220 220 2020213331

235 222 235 222 230B 230A 230B 230A 245A 245A 223B 223B 230 230 240 240

245 245 215 215

FIGURE 25 FIGURE 25 230A 230A

230 230 220 220 223A 223A 225A 225A 245A 245A

230B 230B 235 235 225 225 240A 240A

245 245

225B 225B 223B 223B 222 222 240 240

FIGURE 26 FIGURE 26

225B 12/29 06 Aug 2020 06 Aug 2020

225B 12/29 215 215

230B 230B 225 225 240A 240A 220 220 240 240 245A 230 230 245A 235 235 2020213331

2020213331

224 224 245 245

215 220 220 FIGURE 27 FIGURE 27 215

235 235 222 222 230A 230A 225A 240A 223A 223A 245A 225A 240A 245A

225 230 230 225

225B 225B

230B 230B 240 240 245 245 223B 223B FIGURE 28 220 FIGURE 28 215 215 220 235 235 240A 224 224 245A 245A 230B 225B 240A 230B 225B

225 230 230 225

225A 225A

230A 230A 240 245 240 FIGURE 29 FIGURE 29

13/29 06 Aug 2020 2020213331 06 2020

13/29 325A 325A 325 325 Aug 315 315 325B 325B 320 320 340A 322 340A 322 335A 335A 2020213331

330A 330A 345A 345A

330B 330B

330 330

335B 335B

FIGURE 30 FIGURE 30 330B 330B 330A 330A 330 330 320 320 345A 345A 315 315 335B 335B 322 322 325B 325B 340A 340A

325 325

335A 335A

325A 325A

FIGURE 31 FIGURE 31

14/29 06 Aug 2020 06 Aug 2020

14/29 315 315 325B 325B 330B 330B

320 320 325 325 330 330

340A 335B 340A 335B 345A 345A 2020213331

2020213331

315 315 324 FIGURE 32 FIGURE 32 320 320 324 322 335A 335A 345A 330A 330A 340A 340A 322 345A 330 330

325 325A 325A 325B 325B

330B 330B 335B 335B FIGURE 33 FIGURE 33 315 315 320 320 335B 335B 340A 340A 345A 345A 330B 330B

330 330 325B 325B

325 325A 325A 325

324 324 330A 330A 335A 335A

FIGURE 34 FIGURE 34

350 15/29 06 Aug 2020 06 Aug 2020

15/29 370A 370A

370B 370B 370 370 2020213331

2020213331

365A 385 385 365A 362 362

365B 365B 365 365

360 360 363 363 380 380

FIGURE 35 FIGURE 35 365B 365A 365A 365B 350 350

360 360 365 365 380 380 370B 370B 370A 370A

362 362

385 385 370 370

363 363

FIGURE 36 FIGURE 36

370B 370B 350 350 16/29 06 Aug 2020 2020213331 06 2020

16/29

370 370 Aug 365B 365B

360 360

385 385 365 365 380 380 2020213331

350 350 FIGURE 37 FIGURE 37 364 364 360 360 380 380 385 385 370A 370A

370 370 365 365A 365A

365B 65B

362 362 363 363 370B 370B FIGURE 38 FIGURE 38 360 350 360 350

370B 370B

365 370 370 365 365B 365B

365A 365A

370A 370A 364 364

FIGURE 39 FIGURE 39

17/29 06 Aug 2020 06 Aug 2020

17/29 425A 425A 425B 425B

415 415 425 425 440A 440A 420 420 422 422 2020213331

2020213331

435A 435A 445A 445A 430A 430B 430B 430A

430 430

435B 435B 415 415 FIGURE 40 FIGURE 40 425B 425B 425A 425A

440A 440A 425 425 420 420 435B 435B 430B 445A 445A 430B 422 422 430 430

430A 430A 435A 435A

FIGURE 41 FIGURE 41

425B 425B 430B 415 415 18/29 06 Aug 2020 2020213331 06 2020

18/29 430B

Aug 425 425 440A 420 445A 440A 420 445A

435B 435B 430 430 2020213331

424 424 420 420 415 415 FIGURE 42 FIGURE 42 435A 435A 440A 440A 445A 445A 425A 425A

430A 430A 425; 430 430

430B 430B

425B 425B 422 422

435B 415 415 435B FIGURE 43 FIGURE 43 420 420 424 424 435B 435B 445A 445A 440A 440A 425B 425B

430B 430B 430 430

430A 430A 425 425

425A 425A 435A 435A FIGURE 44 FIGURE 44

450

19/29 465A 06 Aug 2020 2020213331 06 2020

19/29 465A

465B 465B Aug 465 465 470A 460 460 480 480 470A

470B 470B 2020213331

470 470 462 462

463 463

485 485

FIGURE 45 FIGURE 45 470A 470A

470B 470B

470 470 460 450 450 460

485 485 465A 465A 462 465B 462 465B 465 465

463 463

FIGURE 46 FIGURE 46

470B 470B 450 450 20/29 06 Aug 2020 06 2020

20/29

2020213331 Aug 465B 465B 470 470 465 465 460 460 480 480 485 485 2020213331

FIGURE 47 FIGURE 47 464 450 450 464 460 460 485 485 480 480 465A 465A

465 465 470A 470A 470

470B B

463 465B 465B 463 462 FIGURE 48 FIGURE 48 460 460 462 450 450

464 464 465B 465B

465 465 470 470B 470 470B

470A 470A

465A 465A FIGURE 49 FIGURE 49

515 21/29 06 Aug 2020 06 Aug 2020

21/29 530A 530A 530B 530B

530 530 545A 545A 520 520 524 524 540A 2020213331

522 2020213331

540A 522 535 535 525B 525B 525A 525A

525 525

FIGURE 50 FIGURE 50

525A 525A 525B 525B

540A 540A 515 515 525 525 522 522 535 535

545A 545A 530A 530A 530B 530B

530 530 523 523

FIGURE 51 FIGURE 51

22/29 06 Aug 2020 2020213331 06 Aug 2020

22/29 515 515 525B 525B 530B 530B

540A 540A 520 545A 520 545A 525 525

535 535 530 530 2020213331

524 524 FIGURE 52 FIGURE 52 535 535 540A 522 540A 545A 545A 522 515 515 523 523 530A 530A

525A 525A

525 525

525B 525B 530 530

530B 530B

FIGURE 53 FIGURE 53 515 515 540A 540A 545A 545A 530B 530B

525B 525B 525 525

525A 525A 530 530

530A 530A 524 524

FIGURE 54 FIGURE 54

23/29 06 Aug 2020 06 Aug 2020

23/29 550

565A 565A

565B 565B

565 565 560 560 570A 570A 2020213331

2020213331

562 562 570B 570B

Willo 563 563 570 570

580 580 IIIIIIICO

580A 580A

585A 585A 585 585 550 550 FIGURE 55 FIGURE 55 570A 570A 570B 570B

570 570

565A 565A 563 563 562 562 565B 565B

585 585 565 565 <<<<<<00

585A 585A

580 580 580A 580A 560 560

FIGURE 56 FIGURE 56

24/29 06 Aug 2020 06 Aug 2020

24/29 550 550 570B 570B

565B 565B 570 570

580 580 585 585 560 560 2020213331

2020213331

565 565

562 562

564 564 FIGURE 57 FIGURE 57 560 560 550 550 585A 585A 580A 580A 570A 570A

565A 565A 570 570

565 65

565B 65B

570B 570B 580 580 563 563 562 562 585 585

FIGURE 58 FIGURE 58 550 550 560 560

570B 570B

565A 565A 570 570

565B 565B

565A 565A

570A 570A 564 564 FIGURE 59 FIGURE 59

25/29 06 Aug 2020 06 Aug 2020

25/29 200 200

700 700

720 720

515 515 2020213331

2020213331

725 25

730 730

800 800

550 550 825 825

820 820

830 830

810 810

FIGURE FIGURE 60

615 26/29 06 Aug 2020 06 Aug 2020

26/29

625A 625A

625B 625B 620 620 640A 625 625 640A

645A 624 624 2020213331

2020213331

645A 635 635

630A 630A 622 622

630 630

630B 630B

FIGURE 61 FIGURE 61 630A 630A 630B 630B 615 615 620 620 630 630 645A 645A

624 624 635 635

625A 625A 625B 625B

625 625

622 622

FIGURE 62 FIGURE 62

27/29 06 Aug 2020 06 Aug 2020

27/29 615 615 630B 630B 625B 625B

645A 620 620 645A 630 640A 0 640A

635 635 2020213331

2020213331

625 625

624 624 FIGURE 63 FIGURE 63

645A 635 635 615 645A 640A 615 622 640A 622 625A 625A 623 623

630A 630A 630 630

625 625 630B 30B

625B 625B

FIGURE 64 FIGURE 64

615 615

645A 645A 640A 640A 625B 625B

630B 630B 630 630 50 625 625

630A 630A

625A 625A 624 624 FIGURE 65 FIGURE 65

28/29 06 Aug 2020 06 Aug 2020

28/29 650 650 670A 670A

670B 670B

670 670 660 660 2020213331

2020213331

662 662 685 685 665A 665A

663 665B 665B 663

665 665

685A 685A

FIGURE 66 FIGURE 66 650 650

665A 665A

665B 665B 665 665 670A 670A 670B 670B 680 680 662 662

685 685 663 663 670 670

680A 680A

685A 685A 660 660

FIGURE 67 FIGURE 67

670B 670B 29/29 06 Aug 2020 Aug 2020

29/29 650 650 665B 665B

2020213331 06

670 670 660 660 665 665 680 680 685 685 2020213331

662 662

664 664

FIGURE 68 660 FIGURE 68 660 650 650

685 685 680A 680A 685A 685A 665A 665A

670A 665 665 70A

670 0

670B3

665B 665B 680 680 663 662 662 FIGURE 69 FIGURE 69 663 660 660 650 650 665B 665B

670A 670A 665 665

670B 670B 670A 670A

665A 665A 664 664 FIGURE 70 FIGURE 70