Rain gutter

Abstract

A rain gutter 100 has a wall 120 defining a channel 110 for rain water. A non-stick layer 130 at least partially covers a side 124 of the wall interior to the channel. The non-stick layer may be a coa

Description

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD Examples of the disclosure relate to a rain gutter. Some relate to a rain gutter for discharging rain water from a roof of a building. BACKGROUND A rain gutter is a component of a water discharge system for a building. It is used to prevent rain water dripping or flowing off roofs in an uncontrolled manner and instead directs the water to a suitable disposal site where the water will not damage the building or any passersby. Debris, such as leaves, can accumulate within a rain gutter. This can clog the rain gutter and reduces its efficiency in directing water. In times of heavy rain this can cause water to spill out of the rain gutter in an uncontrolled manner, where it may damage the building or passersby. To help to overcome this issue the rain gutter may be widened, or a shield may be used to attempt to block debris falling into the rain gutter. BRIEF SUMMARY According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a rain gutter comprising: a channel for rain water, at least one wall at least partially defining the channel, and a non-stick layer. The at least one wall comprises a side interior to the channel. The non-stick layer at least partially covering the side. The non-stick layer may be a coating. The non-stick layer may be a hydrophobic layer. The non-stick layer may have a contact angle with water greater than 100°. The nonstick layer may have a contact angle with water greater than 110°. The non-stick layer may have a dry static coefficient of friction of less than 0.25, defined as between the non-stick layer and steel. The non-stick layer may comprise a pesticide. The pesticide may comprise a fungicide. The non-stick layer may comprise 0.01% - 2% pesticide. The non-stick layer may form a self-cleaning surface. The non-stick layer may comprise a hydrophobic polymer. The non-stick layer may comprise a fluoropolymer. The non-stick layer may be spray applied or brush applied to the at least one wall. The at least one wall may comprise a base. The side interior to the channel may be a side of the base which is a lower side of the channel. The base may at least partially define the channel. The base may comprise a lower exterior surface and an upper interior surface. The lower exterior surface and the upper interior surface may be not parallel to each other. The lower exterior surface may be a bottom surface of the rain gutter. The upper interior surface may be a bottom surface of the channel. The lower exterior surface and the upper interior surface may have a gradient between them of 1:100 to 1:500. The lower exterior surface and the upper interior surface may be at an angle to each other of 0.1 ° to 2°. The at least one wall may comprise a top surface. The top surface may be substantially parallel to the lower exterior surface of the base and may be not parallel to the upper interior surface of the base. The non-stick layer may substantially run the length of the channel. According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a method comprising: applying the non-stick layer to the interior side of the rain gutter. According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a rain gutter comprising: a channel for rain water, and a base at least partially defining the channel. The base comprises a lower exterior surface and an upper interior surface, wherein the lower exterior surface and the upper interior surface are not parallel to each other. The lower exterior surface may be a bottom surface of the rain gutter and the upper interior surface may be a bottom surface of the channel. The lower exterior surface and the upper interior surface may have a gradient between them of 1:100 - 1:500. The lower exterior surface and the upper interior surface may be at an angle to each other of 0.1° to 2°. According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided an apparatus comprising means for performing at least part of one or more methods described herein. The description of a function and / or action should additionally be considered to also disclose any means suitable for performing that function and / or action. Functions and / or actions described herein can be performed in any suitable way using any suitable method. According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims. While the above examples of the disclosure and optional features are described separately, it is to be understood that their provision in all possible combinations and permutations is contained within the disclosure. It is to be understood that various examples of the disclosure can comprise any or all the features described in respect of other examples of the disclosure, and vice versa. Also, it is to be appreciated that any one or more or all the features, in any combination, may be implemented by / comprised in / performable by an apparatus, a method, and as appropriate. The description of a function should additionally be considered to also disclose any means suitable for performing that function BRIEF DESCRIPTION Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of a first example of a rain gutter; FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of a second example of a rain gutter; FIG. 3 illustrates a cross sectional view along the length of a third example of a rain gutter; FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view along the length of a fourth example of a rain gutter; and FIG. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view along the length of a fifth example of a rain gutter. The figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and views of the figures can be shown schematically or exaggerated in scale in the interest of clarity and conciseness. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures can be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid explication. Similar reference numerals are used in the figures to designate similar features. For clarity, all reference numerals are not necessarily displayed in all figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of a first example of a rain gutter 100 according to embodiments of the disclosure. The rain gutter 100 comprises a channel 110 for rain water, at least one wall 120 at least partially defining the channel 110 and a nonstick layer 130. The at least one wall 120 comprises a side 124 interior to the channel 110. The non-stick layer 130 at least partially covers the side 124 interior to the channel. In some example the at least one wall 120 comprises a base 121 which at least partially defines the channel 110. The base 121 comprises a lower exterior surface 126 and an upper interior surface 124. The base 121 may be consider to be a lower wall 121. In some examples, the side 124 of the at least one wall 120 interior to the channel 110 is a side 124 of the base 121 which is a lower side 124 of the channel 110. The nonstick layer 130 may be positioned on top of the base 121. In some examples the nonstick layer 130 may be considered part of the at least one wall 120. In the illustrated example the rain gutter 100 substantially has a II cross-sectional shape and comprises a base 121 and two side walls 122, 123. Together the side walls 122, 123, and base 121 define the channel 110. The rain gutter 100 has a top / upper surface 127. In this example, the top surface 127 is a discontinuous surface with two parts, which are each at the top of a side wall 122, 123. The illustrated base 121 and side walls 122, 123 are substantially flat. In other examples, such as in FIG. 2, the rain gutter 100 may have a different shape. In some examples, a rain gutter 100 comprises a number of sections which are connected together. FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of a second example of a rain gutter 100 according to embodiments of the disclosure. The second example of a rain gutter 100 may comprise some or all of the features of the first example of a rain gutter 100. The second example of a rain gutter 100 is similar to the first example of a rain gutter 100 with some differences. In the example of FIG. 2 the rain gutter 100 has a curved shape with a curved base 121. The illustrated non-stick layer 130 is thicker than in FIG. 1 and is curved. In some examples non-stick layer 130 covers at least part of the sidewall(s) 122, 123. In some examples, the non-stick layer 130 substantially runs the length of the channel 110. In some examples the non-stick layer 130 covers at least 10% of the interior surface of the channel 110, such as at least 30%, or at least 50% of the interior surface of the channel 110. The rain gutter 100 may be a number of different shapes and sizes. In some examples the rain gutter 100 is a valley gutter, a parapet gutter or an eaves gutter. As well as a substantially horizontal rain gutter 100, the rain gutter 100 may also be a downpipe, a hopper or another part of a water discharge system. The at least one wall 120 of the rain gutter 100 may comprise any suitable material. For example, a plastic, such as polyvinylchloride (PVC); a metal, such as steel, copper, or aluminium; a wood; or concrete. In some examples the non-stick layer 130 is a different material to the at least one wall 120. The non-stick layer 130 and at least one wall 120 are not integrally formed. The rain gutter 100 may be attached to a building by any suitable means. For example, using fastening means such as screws. In some examples the non-stick layer 130 is a coating 130. In some examples the nonstick layer 130 is spray applied or brush applied to the at least one wall 120. Spray or brush application can lead to more uniform coverage. In other examples the non-stick layer 130 may be fixed to the at least one wall 120, such as with adhesive. In some examples the non-stick layer 130 is liquid prior to application, in other examples the non-stick layer 130 is solid prior to application. In some examples a method comprises: applying the non-stick layer 130 to the interior side 124 of the rain gutter 100. The method may comprise spraying a non-stick coating 130 on to the interior side 124 of the rain gutter 100. Spraying may occur using a handheld spray. In some but not necessarily all examples the non-stick layer 130 is a hydrophobic layer 130. The non-stick layer 130 may have a contact angle with water greater than 90°. The non-stick layer 130 may have a contact angle with water greater than 100°, greater than 110°, greater than 120°, greater than 130°, greater than 140° orgreaterthan 150°. In some examples the non-stick layer 130 is superhydrophobic. The contact angle of the non-stick layer 130 with water can be measured from optical images of a static liquid droplet deposited on a solid surface. Image processing may be involved. In some examples atomic force microscopy, confocal microscopy, and / or scanning electron microscopy may be used to measure the contact angle of the nonstick layer 130 with water. In some but not necessarily all examples the non-stick layer 130 has a dry static coefficient of friction of less than 0.4. The coefficient of friction may be defined as between the non-stick layer 130 and steel, such as between the non-stick layer 130 and polished steel. In some examples the non-stick layer 130 has a dry static coefficient of friction of less than 0.3, less than 0.25, less than 0.2, less than 0.15 or less than 0.1. A non-stick layer 130 can produce the following advantages. The non-stick layer 130 means that the rain gutter 100 retains less of the debris which falls within the channel 110. A hydrophobic layer 130 improves the flow efficiency of rain water. With hydrophobic layers water can slide or roll off the surface as liquid droplets. Water droplets have the ability to roll completely on top of the surfaces collecting any debris or impurities that have come to rest on the surface. A droplet can capture a 7 contaminant as it rolls over top of the surface and then can carry it off of the surface. The non-stick 130 layer can thus act as a self-cleaning surface. A layer 130 with a low coefficient of friction reduces the interactions between the channel 110 and any debris. For each of the above effects, debris is therefore more likely to flow out of the channel 110 and is less likely to fully or partially block the channel 110. The non-stick layer 130 provides the technical effect of reducing the amount of debris accumulation and so reduces the chances of the system clogging. This reduces the likelihood of water spilling out of the rain gutter 100 in an uncontrolled manner and so reduces damage to the building or any passersby. This may improve the lifespan of the building. By reducing the amount of debris accumulation the non-stick layer 130 also reduces the need for regular maintenance to clear the debris and increases the lifespan of the rain gutter 100. In some but not necessarily all examples the non-stick layer 130 comprises a hydrophobic polymer. For example the non-stick layer 130 may comprise a fluoropolymer, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In some examples, the nonstick layer 130 comprises at least 10% hydrophobic polymer, such as at least 20% hydrophobic polymer, at least 30% hydrophobic polymer, or at least 50% hydrophobic polymer. In some examples the non-stick layer 130 comprises one or more of the following polymers: an acrylic; an amide, an imide, a carbonate, a diene, an ester, an ether, a fluorocarbon, an olefin, a styrene, a vinyl acetal, a vinyl or vinylidene chloride, a vinyl ester, a vinyl ether, a ketone, a vinylpyridine, and a vinylpyrrolidone. In some examples the non-stick layer 130 comprises one or more of: nylons, natural rubber and related materials, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), PTFE, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, reactive silica such as aculon, fluoropolymers, ceramic coatings, and silicone coatings. In some examples the non-stick layer 130 comprises one or more of: per- and polyfluorinated compounds (PFAS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), manganese oxide-polystyrene (MnO2 / PS) nanocomposite, precipitated calcium carbonate, carbon nanotubes, silica nanocoating, fluorinated silanes, epoxy resin, lignin and stearic acid. In some examples the non-stick layer 130 comprises a pesticide. The pesticide may comprise a fungicide, a herbicide and / or an insecticide. A pesticide reduces the accumulation of debris within the channel 110 and so provides the advantage of improving the flow efficiency of rain water. For example, if the pesticide comprises an anti-moss agent it will reduce the growth and accumulation of moss in the channel 110. A large range of different pesticides can be used. Pesticides may be systemic or non-systemic. For example, the pesticide may comprise glyphosate, 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, a pyrethroid, or a carbamate such as 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate. For a number of pesticides application by spraying is not recommended for safety reasons. In some examples the pesticide comprises one or more of: alcohol alkoxylate, ferric &ferrous sulphate, ammonium sulfate, sodium pentachlorophenate, zinc chloride, zinc sulfate, quaternary ammonium compounds, benzyl-C8-18-alkyldimethyl, benzyl-C12-16-alkyldimethyl, a chloride, didecyldimethylammonium chloride, and copper salts such as copper carbonate, copper sulfate and copper chloride. In some examples the non-stick layer 130 comprises 0.001% - 5% pesticide, such as 0.01 - 2% pesticide. In some examples the non-stick layer 130 comprises less than 5 % pesticide, such as less than 2% or less than 1%. In some examples the non-stick layer 130 comprises greater than 0.001% pesticide, such as greater than 0.01% or greater than 0.1% pesticide. FIG. 3 illustrates a cross sectional view along the length of a third example of a rain gutter 100 according to embodiments of the disclosure. The third example of a rain gutter 100 may comprise some or all of the features of the first and second examples of a rain gutter 100. The third example of a rain gutter 100 might or might not comprise a non-stick layer 130 as described with regard to FIGs 1 and 2. In the illustrated example, the rain gutter 100 comprises a channel 110 for rain water, and a base 121 at least partially defining the channel 110. The base 121 comprises a lower exterior surface 126 and an upper interior surface 125. The lower exterior surface 126 and the upper interior surface 125 are not parallel to each other. The rain gutter 100 has an internal gradient which is between these surface 125, 126. The channel 110 having a gradient can produce the following advantages. The gradient makes use of gravity to improve the flow of rain water and debris, and so reduces the likelihood of debris fully or partially blocking the channel 110. The gradient between the two surfaces 125, 126 means that a gradient relative to the Earth can be achieved easily and consistently for a desired gradient. This makes installation easier faster and also improves fluid flow efficiency as the gradient will be at the desired level. Contrast this with changing the gradient of the entire rain gutter 100 when installing the rain gutter 100 where it can very be difficult to obtain the desired angle. Also this may unsuitable for most buildings. A concealed gradient also allows the rain gutter 100 to appear level when viewed from the outside. In the illustrated example the lower exterior surface 126 is a bottom surface of the rain gutter 100 and the upper interior surface 125 is a bottom surface of the channel 110. The thickness of the base 121 changes along the length of the rain gutter 100 to provide a gradient. FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view along the length of a fourth example of a rain gutter 100 according to embodiments of the disclosure. The fourth example of a rain gutter 100 may comprise some or all of the features of the first, second and third examples of a rain gutter 100. The fourth example of a rain gutter 100 is similar to the third example of a rain gutter 100 with some differences. In this example the rain gutter 100 comprises side walls 122, 123 and a top I upper surface 127. Here the top surface 127 of the rain gutter 100 is substantially parallel to the lower exterior surface 126 of the base 121 and is not parallel to the upper interior surface 125 of the base 121. FIG. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view along the length of a fifth example of a rain gutter 100 according to embodiments of the disclosure. The fifth example of a rain gutter 100 may comprise some or all of the features of the first, second, third and fourth examples of a rain gutter 100. The fifth example of a rain gutter 100 is similar to the fourth example of a rain gutter 100 with some differences. In this example the base 121 comprises a first portion 231 which is substantially flat and a second portion 232 which provides a gradient. The second portion 232 may be positioned on top of the first portion 231. In some examples the second portion 232 provides a non-stick layer 130. In some examples the second portion 232 is an insert which is inserted into the rain gutter 100. In some examples the lower exterior surface 126 and the upper interior surface 125 have a gradient between them of 1:20 to 1:2500, such as 1:50 to 1:1000, 1:100 to 1:500, or 1:150 to 1:300. In some examples the lower exterior surface 126 and the upper interior surface 125 are at an angle to each other of 0.05° to 3°, such as 0.1° to 2° or 0.2° to 1°. Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature whether that function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described. The term ‘comprise’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use ‘comprise’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to ‘comprising only one...’ or by using ‘consisting.’ In this description, the wording ‘connect’, ‘couple’ and ‘communication’ and their derivatives mean operationally connected / coupled / in communication. It should be appreciated that any number or combination of intervening components can exist (including no intervening components), i.e., to provide direct or indirect connection / coupling / communication. In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term ‘example’ or ‘for example’ or ‘can’ or ‘may’ in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus ‘example’, ‘for example’, ‘can’, or ‘may’ refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example. As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or” mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements. Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above. Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not. Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not. The term ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a / an / the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of ‘at least one’ or ‘one or more’ may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning. The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result. In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described. The above description describes some examples of the present disclosure however those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of possible alternative structures and method features which offer equivalent functionality to the specific examples of such structures and features described herein above and which for the sake of brevity and clarity have been omitted from the above description. Nonetheless, the above description should be read as implicitly including reference to such alternative structures and method features which provide equivalent functionality unless such alternative structures or method features are explicitly excluded in the above description of the examples of the present disclosure. Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon. l / we claim: 5

Claims

1. A rain gutter comprising:a channel for rain water,at least one wall at least partially defining the channel, the at least one wall comprising a side interior to the channel; anda non-stick layer at least partially covering the side, wherein the non-stick layer comprises a fungicide.

2. The rain gutter of claim 1, wherein the non-stick layer is a coating3. The rain gutter of claim 1 or 2, wherein the non-stick layer is a hydrophobic layer.

4. The rain gutter of claim 3, wherein the non-stick layer has a contact angle with water greater than 100°.

5. The rain gutter of claim 4, wherein the non-stick layer has a contact angle with water greater than 110°.

6. The rain gutter of any of the preceding claims, wherein the non-stick layer has a dry static coefficient of friction of less than 0.25, defined as between the non-stick layer and steel.

7. The rain gutter of any of the preceding claims, wherein the non-stick layer comprises 0.01% - 2% fungicide.

8. The rain gutter of any of the preceding claims, wherein the non-stick layer comprises a hydrophobic polymer.

9. The rain gutter of claim 8, wherein the non-stick layer comprises a fluoropolymer.

10. The rain gutter of any of the preceding claims, wherein the non-stick layer is spray applied or brush applied to the at least one wall.

11. The rain gutter of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one wall comprises a base, and wherein the side interior to the channel is a side of the base which is a lower side of the channel.

12. The rain gutter of claim 11, wherein the base at least partially defines the channel, and the base comprises a lower exterior surface and an upper interior surface, wherein the lower exterior surface and the upper interior surface are not parallel to each other.

13. The rain gutter of claim 12, wherein the lower exterior surface is a bottom surface of the rain gutter and the upper interior surface is a bottom surface of the channel.

14. The rain gutter of any of claims 12 to 13, wherein the lower exterior surface and the upper interior surface have a gradient between them of 1:100 to 1:500.

15. The rain gutter of any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the lower exterior surface and the upper interior surface are at an angle to each other of 0.1° to 2°.

16. The rain gutter of any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the at least one wall comprises a top surface, wherein the top surface is substantially parallel to the lower exterior surface of the base and is not parallel to the upper interior surface of the base.

17. The rain gutter of any of the preceding claims, wherein the non-stick layer substantially runs the length of the channel.

18. The rain gutter of any of the preceding claims, wherein the non-stick layer comprises a ceramic coating.

19. A method comprising:applying the non-stick layer to the interior side of the rain gutter of any of the preceding claims.

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