Rain gutter system

Abstract

To provide a rain gutter system capable of suppressing intrusion of foreign matters such as fallen leaves into a gutter member.SOLUTION: A rain gutter system 1 is provided with: a bottom plate 41; side plates 42 and 43 that rise respectively from both ends in the width direction of the bottom plate 41 and have lug parts 45 and 46 at their upper ends; a gutter member 4 in which an opening portion 44 is formed between the upper ends of the side plates 42 and 43 on both sides; and jigs 51 and 52 that engage with the respective lug parts 45 and 46 on both sides, wherein the jigs 51 and 52 on both sides are provided with net engaging portions 512 and 522 that engage with a net member 6 covering the opening portion 44 of the gutter member 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rain gutter system. [Background technology]

[0002] Eaves gutters (including valley gutters that drain rainwater falling from two roofs arranged in a valley shape) are susceptible to weather and other factors, and are prone to deterioration and deformation due to exposure to temperature changes, wind, rain, etc. In order to prevent deformation such as meandering and curvature, efforts have been made to increase the strength of eaves gutters. Furthermore, since the strength, heat resistance, etc. required for each part of the eaves gutter may differ, eaves gutters have been proposed that allow for easy adjustment of the strength and heat resistance of each part (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-52521 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In rain gutter systems, if foreign objects such as fallen leaves get trapped inside the gutter members, drainage performance will be reduced. This requires frequent and time-consuming work such as removing foreign objects from the gutter members. In particular, the larger the gutter members, the more likely it is that foreign objects such as fallen leaves will get trapped inside.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a gutter system that can prevent foreign objects such as fallen leaves from entering the gutter members. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention has the following aspects. (1) One aspect of the gutter system according to the present invention is a gutter member including a bottom plate and side plates rising from both widthwise ends of the bottom plate and having ears at their upper ends, the gutter member having an opening between the upper ends of the side plates on both sides; and a jig that engages with each of the ear portions on both sides, The jigs on both sides are provided with net engaging portions that engage with a net member that covers the opening of the gutter member.

[0007] In the above-described embodiment of the gutter system, the net member covers the opening of the gutter member, which prevents foreign objects such as fallen leaves from getting into the gutter member. This reduces the frequency of the time-consuming task of removing accumulated foreign objects from the gutter member. Furthermore, the gutter member has jigs that engage with the ears on both sides, and the net member is supported by the net engagement portions of these jigs on both sides, so the net member can be easily attached to cover the opening of the gutter member without changing the shape of the gutter member.

[0008] (2) In the above aspect (1), a reinforcing member may be provided to connect the jigs on both sides to reinforce the gutter member.

[0009] In this case, the gutter member can be reinforced with the reinforcing member, so deformation of the gutter member due to the influence of wind, etc. can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the jigs on both sides are connected by reinforcing members, if these are connected in advance, the number of operations during construction can be reduced.

[0010] (3) In the above aspect (1), the jig may be provided on a support that is attached to a roof and supports the gutter member.

[0011] In this case, the net member is supported by jigs attached to the support that engage with the ears on both sides of the gutter member, so if the jigs on both sides are attached to the support in advance, the number of tasks during construction can be reduced.

[0012] (4) In any one of the above aspects (1) to (3), the jig may have a water-reflecting portion that prevents rainwater that splashes back inside the gutter member from splashing out through the opening.

[0013] In this case, it is possible to prevent rainwater that bounces back inside the gutter member from splashing out from the opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, foreign matter such as fallen leaves can be prevented from entering the gutter member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a rain gutter system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a side view, partly in cross section, showing a support and a gutter member of a rain gutter system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view illustrating a state in which a gutter member is supported by a support fixture of the gutter system of the first embodiment according to the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a side view, partly in cross section, showing a gutter member and a reinforcing member of a rain gutter system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a partial plan view showing a gutter member and a reinforcing member of a rain gutter system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a partial plan view, partly in section, illustrating an engagement state between a net member and a jig of a rain gutter system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a partial side view, partly in cross section, illustrating an engagement state between a net member and a jig of a rain gutter system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a side view, partly in cross section, showing a gutter member and a reinforcing member of a rain gutter system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a side view, partly in cross section, showing a gutter member and a reinforcing member of a rain gutter system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view, partly in cross section, showing a gutter member and a reinforcing member of a rain gutter system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a side view, partly in cross section, showing a gutter member and a reinforcing member of a rain gutter system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a side view, partly in cross section, showing a support and a reinforcing member of a gutter system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a side view, partly in cross section, showing a support and a reinforcing member of a rain gutter system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a side view, partly in cross section, showing a modified example of the rain gutter system of the seventh embodiment according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, a pipe joint and a piping system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, a rain gutter system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in Figure 1, the gutter system 1 according to this embodiment includes a support 3 attached to the tip of the eaves of a roof 2, a gutter member 4 supported on the roof 2 by the support 3 and catching rainwater falling from the eaves of the roof 2, a reinforcing member 5 that reinforces the gutter member 4, and a net member 6 that covers the top of the gutter member 4. Note that the following embodiment will be described using as an example a gutter system 1 installed at the eaves of a folded-plate roof, which is the roof 2, but there are no particular limitations on the configuration of the roof on which the gutter system 1 is installed. Of course, the present invention can also be applied to a so-called valley-gutter type gutter system that drains rainwater falling from two roofs arranged in a valley shape.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the support 3 has an upper support portion 31 connected to the roof 2 shown in Figure 1, a transition portion 32 connected to one end of the upper support portion 31 and extending in a direction intersecting the direction in which the upper support portion 31 extends, a lower support portion 33 that supports the gutter member 4 from below, a rear support portion 34 connected to the other end of the upper support portion 31 and connecting the upper support portion 31 and the lower support portion 33, and a front support portion 35 that connects the transition portion 32 and the lower support portion 33.

[0019] In the direction in which the upper support portion 31 or the lower support portion 33 extends, the rear support portion 34 is located closer to the roof 2 (toward the building having the roof 2) than the front support portion 35. The support 3 is arranged so as to have a generally rectangular shape as a whole in a plan view including the extending directions of the upper support portion 31, the transition portion 32, the lower support portion 33, the rear support portion 34, and the front support portion 35. The gutter member 4 is inserted into the generally rectangular space formed by the upper support portion 31, the transition portion 32, the lower support portion 33, the rear support portion 34, and the front support portion 35.

[0020] The extension directions of the upper support portion 31, the transition portion 32, the lower support portion 33, the rear support portion 34, and the front support portion 35 are parallel to a plane including the X and Y coordinate axes in Fig. 2. Because the upper support portion 31, the transition portion 32, the lower support portion 33, the rear support portion 34, and the front support portion 35 each have an elongated shape, the extension directions of these portions can also be said to be the longitudinal directions of these portions. The X, Y, and Z coordinate axes shown in Fig. 2 and other figures are perpendicular to each other.

[0021] The upper support portion 31 is a portion connected to the roof 2. In the upper support portion 31, the support 3 is fixed to the roof 2 by sandwiching the roof between the underside of the upper piece 36 that overlaps the upper support portion 31, the underside of the extension piece 32a of the transition portion 32, and the upper surface of the upper support portion 31. The upper support portion 31 and the extension piece 32a are detachably connected to each other by a bolting structure including a bolt 311a that passes through them and a nut 311b that threads onto the bolt 311a. The upper support portion 31 and the upper piece 36 are detachably connected to each other by a bolting structure including a bolt 312a that passes through them and a nut 312b that threads onto the bolt 312a. A member to which a bolt fastening structure is applied is provided with a hole through which the threaded portion of the bolt can be inserted. An inclined portion 36a is formed at the end of the upper piece 36 that is located on the roof 2 side. This inclined portion 36a acts as a guide, making it easier to insert the eaves board of the roof 2.

[0022] The transition portion 32 is connected to one end of the upper support portion 31. The one end of the upper support portion 31 to which the transition portion 32 is connected is the end on the front support portion 35 side in the direction in which the upper support portion 31 extends. The transition portion 32 extends in a direction intersecting the direction in which the upper support portion 31 extends.

[0023] In this embodiment, the above-mentioned extension piece 32a is connected to the end of the transition portion 32 opposite to the end connected to the front support portion 35. The extending direction of the extension piece 32a coincides with the extending direction of the upper support portion 31. The extension piece 32a is a part of the constituent elements of the upper support portion 31.

[0024] The upper support portion 31 and the extension piece 32a may be detachably connected by the above-mentioned bolting structure, etc. However, for example, the upper support portion 31 and the transition portion 32 may be connected by providing an additional member extending along the upper support portion 31 and the transition portion 32 and connecting this member to the upper support portion 31 and the transition portion 32, respectively, by a bolting structure, etc.

[0025] By providing the transition portion 32, the moment generated in the upper support portion 31 by wind blowing up from the ground toward the gutter member 4 along the wall of a building, etc., is suppressed, thereby further ensuring the strength of the support 3.

[0026] The lower support portion 33 is a portion for supporting the gutter member 4 from below. The rear support part 34 is connected to one end of the lower support part 33 in the extension direction. The front support part 35 is connected to the other end of the lower support part 33 in the extension direction. A short bent piece 33a formed by bending the lower support part 33 is formed at the end of the lower support part 33 on the side where the front support part 35 is connected.

[0027] A bolt 333a and a nut 333b that screws onto the bolt 333a are provided to pass through the portion where the lower end of the front support portion 35 overlaps with the bent piece 33a of the lower support portion 33. The bolt fastening structure including the bolt 333a and the nut 333b rotatably and detachably connects the lower end of the front support portion 35 to the bent piece 33a of the lower support portion 33. In other words, the front support portion 35 is connected to the tip of the lower support portion 33 so as to be rotatable around the bolt 333a as a rotation center axis. The bolt 333a is disposed approximately parallel to the extension direction of the lower support portion 33. In other words, it can be said that the front support portion 35 is rotatably supported around the bolt 333a that extends along the extension direction of the lower support portion 33 as a rotation center axis. In addition, the means for connecting the overlapping portion of the lower end of the front support portion 35 to the bent piece 33a of the lower support portion 33 is not limited to a bolt fastening structure, and for example, the bent piece 33a of the lower support portion 33 and the lower end of the front support portion 35 may be connected by a hinge.

[0028] With this configuration, when installing the gutter member 4 on the support 3, the front support part 35 can be hung below the lower support part 33, and does not interfere with the installation of the gutter member 4.

[0029] The rear support portion 34 is connected to the end portion opposite to the side to which the transition portion 32 is connected in the extension direction of the upper support portion 31, and connects the upper support portion 31 and the lower support portion 33.

[0030] The front support portion 35 connects the transition portion 32 and the lower support portion 33. The front support portion 35 and the transition portion 32 are connected at one end in the extension direction of the front support portion 35. The end in the extension direction of the front support portion 35 to which the transition portion 32 is connected is located higher than the other end in the extension direction of the front support portion 35 when the support device 3 is attached to the eaves of the roof 2. The rear support portion 34 and the front support portion 35 are positioned so as to face in a substantially vertical direction when the support tool 3 is attached to the eaves of the roof 2.

[0031] The upper support portion 31, the lower support portion 33, and the rear support portion 34 may be configured as a single member. For example, a long metal plate having appropriate dimensions may be bent to form a member integrally including the upper support portion 31, the lower support portion 33, and the rear support portion 34, which may constitute a part of the support tool 3. Alternatively, the components that form the upper support portion 31, the lower support portion 33, and the rear support portion 34 may be connected to each other using the bolting structure described above, or by means of rivets, welding, or the like, to form part of the support device 3.

[0032] The upper support portion 31, the transition portion 32, the lower support portion 33, the rear support portion 34, and the front support portion 35 each have a surface parallel to the direction of extension.

[0033] The transition portion 32 and the front support portion 35 may be formed as a single member. For example, a long metal plate having appropriate dimensions may be bent to form a member integrally including the transition portion 32 and the front support portion 35, which may then be used to form part of the support device 3. Alternatively, the transition portion 32 and the member that will become the front support portion 35 may be connected to each other by means of the bolting structure described above, or by means of rivets, welding, or the like, to form part of the support 3.

[0034] At least one of the upper support portion 31, the transition portion 32, the lower support portion 33, the rear support portion 34, and the front support portion 35 may have a concave groove along its extension direction for the purpose of improving strength. Alternatively, at least one of the upper support portion 31, the transition portion 32, the lower support portion 33, the rear support portion 34, and the front support portion 35 may be a channel member provided with one or more ridge walls. In addition, at least one of the upper support portion 31, the transition portion 32, the lower support portion 33, the rear support portion 34, or the front support portion 35 may have holes for the purpose of reducing weight or for connecting to other members.

[0035] Furthermore, in the support device 3, a gutter member upper edge locking piece 341 is formed on the inside of the rear support part 34 (the side on which the gutter member 4 is installed) to engage with and hold down an ear 45 provided on the upper edge of a side plate 42 of the gutter member 4 described below, and a gutter member upper edge locking piece 351 is formed on the inside of the front support part 35 to engage with and hold down an ear 46 provided on the upper edge of the side plate 43 of the gutter member 4. Both the gutter member upper edge locking piece 341 and the gutter member upper edge locking piece 351 are made of metal and are formed, for example, by bending a plate material.

[0036] The gutter member upper edge locking piece 341 comprises a base end 341a that contacts the inner surface of the rear support portion 34, an upright piece 341b that extends from the end of the base end 341a at a substantially right angle to the base end 341a, and an extension piece 341c that extends from the tip of the upright piece 341b at a substantially right angle to the upright piece 341b. The upright piece 341b and the extension piece 341c form an L-shaped locking portion 341d. The base end 341a is rotatably supported by a screw (not shown) or the like that penetrates the center of the base end 341a and the adjacent rear support portion 34 in the thickness direction. The base end 341a rotates around the screw, allowing the gutter member upper edge locking piece 341 to rotate along the inner surface of the rear support portion 34. Because the gutter member upper edge locking piece 341 can be rotated, when installing the gutter member 4 on the support 3, the L-shaped locking portion 341d can be kept facing upward so as not to get in the way (the L-shaped locking portion 341d in Figure 2 is facing in the opposite direction in the Y coordinate axis), and after installing the gutter member 4, the gutter member upper edge locking piece 341 can be rotated to the orientation shown in Figure 2 so that the gutter member 4 does not move, allowing it to be locked.

[0037] The gutter member upper edge locking piece 351 comprises a base end 351a that contacts the inner surface of the front support part 35, an upright piece 351b that extends from the end of the base end 351a at a substantially right angle to the base end 351a, and an extension piece 351c that extends from the tip of the upright piece 351b at a substantially right angle to the upright piece 351b. The upright piece 351b and the extension piece 351c form an L-shaped locking part 351d. The base end 351a is rotatably supported by a screw (not shown) or the like that penetrates the center of the base end 351a and the adjacent front support part 35 in the thickness direction. The rotation of the base end 351a around the screw allows the gutter member upper edge locking piece 351 to rotate along the inner surface of the front support part 35. As with the gutter member upper edge locking piece 341, when installing the gutter member 4, the gutter member upper edge locking piece 351 can be rotated to a position where it does not come into contact with the gutter member 4. After installing the gutter member 4, the gutter member upper edge locking piece 351 can be rotated to the orientation shown in Figure 2 so that the gutter member 4 does not move, thereby locking it in place.

[0038] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 2 or Figure 3, an adjustment member 342 is provided above the upper edge engagement piece 341 of the gutter member (on the positive side of the Y coordinate axis in Figure 2, etc.), and an adjustment member 352 is provided above the upper edge engagement piece 351 of the gutter member (on the positive side of the Y coordinate axis in Figure 2, etc.).

[0039] As shown in Fig. 2 or 3, the adjustment member 342 is provided to connect the rear support portions 34 that are separated in the extension direction. As shown in Fig. 2 or 3, the adjustment member 352 is provided to connect the front support portions 35 that are separated in the extension direction. The adjustment members 342 and 352 are connected to the rear support portions 34 and the front support portions 35, respectively, by a bolt fastening structure (not shown) or the like. By replacing the adjustment members 342 and 352 themselves, the height of the support 3 (the direction along the Y coordinate axis in Fig. 2, etc.) can be adjusted.

[0040] When installing gutter member 4 at the eaves, it is installed with a slope in the connecting direction of gutter member 4 for efficient drainage. To do this, it is necessary to adjust the height of support 3 (the direction along the Y coordinate axis in Figure 2, etc.) appropriately according to the slope of gutter member 4. By employing adjustment members 342 and 352, the height of support 3 can be adjusted appropriately simply by replacing adjustment members 342 and 352.

[0041] The gutter member 4 includes a strip-shaped bottom plate 41 and side plates 42, 43 rising from both widthwise ends of the bottom plate 41 (longer sides of the bottom plate 41). The side plates 42, 43 are integrally formed with the bottom plate 41. The gutter member 4 is formed in a generally U-shape in cross section, with the upper ends of the side plates 42, 43 opening upward. In other words, the gutter member 4 has an opening 44 between the upper ends of the side plates 42, 43. In the gutter member 4, the side plate 42 is disposed inside the eaves of the roof 2, i.e., on the exterior wall side of the building. The side plate 43 is disposed outside the eaves. Note that the gutter member 4 used in this embodiment may be a large rain gutter in which the inner width of the bottom plate 41 is 200 mm or more. For example, the inner width of the bottom plate 41 may be 200 mm, 300 mm, 400 mm, 500 mm, etc.

[0042] The gutter member 4 has an ear 45 provided at the upper end of the side plate 42 located on the inside of the eaves edge so as to protrude outward on the side opposite the other side plate 43. The gutter member 4 also has an ear 46 provided at the upper end of the side plate 43 located on the outside of the eaves edge so as to protrude outward on the side opposite the other side plate 42.

[0043] The ears 45 have a rectangular cross section and include a flat top portion 45a extending substantially horizontally from the upper end of the side plate 42 in the opposite direction to the side plate 43, a flat side portion 45b extending downward from the tip of the top portion 45a and spaced apart from the side plate 42, and a flat bottom portion 45c extending substantially horizontally from the lower end of the side portion 45b toward the side surface of the side plate 42. The ears 45 are formed over the entire length of the gutter member 4, and the top portion 45a, side portion 45b, and bottom portion 45c are all formed along the upper end of the side plate 42 over the entire length of the side plate 42, forming a strip-like shape.

[0044] The ears 46 have a rectangular cross section and include a flat top portion 46a extending substantially horizontally from the upper end of the side plate 43 in the opposite direction to the side plate 42, a flat side portion 46b extending downward from the tip of the top portion 46a and spaced apart from the side plate 43, and a flat bottom portion 46c extending substantially horizontally from the lower end of the side portion 46b toward the side surface of the side plate 43. The ears 46 are formed over the entire length of the gutter member 4, and the top portion 46a, side portion 46b, and bottom portion 46c are all formed along the upper end of the side plate 43 over the entire length of the side plate 43, forming a strip-like shape.

[0045] The gutter member 4 is made of metal, synthetic resin, or the like. The material of the gutter member 4 can be arbitrarily selected from a single resin, a composite (multi-layer) resin, a single metal, a composite material in which a metal is coated with a resin, etc. In the first embodiment, the gutter member 4 is an extrusion molded product made of, for example, a synthetic resin such as hard polyvinyl chloride resin, ABS, or AES. In addition, when the gutter member 4 is made of synthetic resin, the linear expansion coefficient is set to 2.0×10 -5 / °C or less. It is also preferable to reduce the coefficient of linear expansion by inserting a low-elasticity sheet such as a stretched PET resin sheet or an iron sheet into the center of the thickness of the gutter member 4, or by blending a low-elasticity additive such as wollastonite or carbon fiber into the synthetic resin that constitutes the gutter member 4. In addition, the gutter member 4 may be formed from an acid-resistant coated steel plate having a thickness of 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm, etc., on both thickness-wise surfaces of a steel plate, a hot-dip zinc alloy plating layer formed on both thickness-wise surfaces of the hot-dip zinc alloy plating layers on both sides and on the steel plate and the continuous side surfaces of the hot-dip zinc alloy plating layers on both sides, one thickness-wise surface of the special adhesive layer and half of this surface side of the side surface continuing from this surface coated with a first special polymer resin coating layer 0.4 mm thick, and the other thickness-wise surface of the special adhesive layer and the remaining half of this surface side of the side surface continuing from this surface coated with a second special polymer resin coating layer 0.4 mm thick.

[0046] The gutter member 4 is inserted into the support 3, with the bottom plate 41 supported by the lower support portion 33 of the support 3, the ear portion 45 supported by the rear support portion 34 of the support 3, and the ear portion 46 supported by the front support portion 35 of the support 3. At the same time, the ear portion 45 of the gutter member 4 is engaged with the locking portion 341d of the support 3, and the ear portion 46 is engaged with the locking portion 351d of the support 3. As a result, the ear portion 45 is restricted from moving in the width direction of the gutter member 4 by the rear support portion 34 and the extension piece 341c, and its upward movement is restricted by the upright piece 341b. At the same time, the ear portion 46 is restricted from moving in the width direction of the gutter member 4 by the front support portion 35 and the extension piece 351c, and its upward movement is restricted by the upright piece 351b. In this way, the gutter member 4 is supported by the support 3.

[0047] 4 and 5, the reinforcing element 5 has a jig 51 that engages with the ear 45 located on the inside of the eaves edge of the gutter element 4, a jig 52 that engages with the ear 46 located on the outside of the eaves edge, and a reinforcing member 53 that reinforces the gutter element 4 by connecting the jigs 51, 52 on both sides. The reinforcing element 5 is made of metal, and the jig 51, the jig 52, and the reinforcing member 53 are formed integrally. The reinforcing element 5 is formed, for example, by bending a plate material.

[0048] The jig 51 has an engaging main body portion 511 , a net engaging portion 512 , and a water returning portion 513 .

[0049] The engagement main body 511 has a flat upper plate 511a that abuts against the top 45a of the ear 45 and extends horizontally, a flat side plate 511b that extends downward from one edge of the upper plate 511a and faces the side 45b of the ear 45, a flat side plate 511c that extends downward from the other edge of the upper plate 511a opposite to the side plate 511b and faces the side plate 42, and a flat locking plate 511d that extends from the lower edge of the side plate 511b toward the side plate 511c and faces the bottom 45c of the ear 45. The locking plate 511d is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction so that it approaches the upper plate 511a as it extends toward its tip.

[0050] The net locking portion 512 extends upward from the upper plate portion 511a of the engagement main body 511, extends in a direction connecting the side plate portions 511b and 511c, and spreads out in a plane perpendicular to the upper plate portion 511a. As shown in Fig. 5, the net locking portion 512 is formed on one edge of the upper plate portion 511a in a direction perpendicular to the direction connecting the side plate portions 511b and 511c. The net locking portion 512 is flat, and has a neck portion 512a and a head portion 512b as shown in Fig. 4.

[0051] The neck portion 512a extends vertically upward from the middle of the upper plate portion 511a in the direction connecting the side plate portions 511b and 511c.

[0052] Head 512b protrudes evenly from the upper end of neck 512a toward side plate 511b and toward side plate 511c. The upper surface of head 512b is arc-shaped and convex upward. The width of head 512b in the direction connecting side plate 511b and side plate 511c is smaller than the width of top plate 511a in the same direction.

[0053] The water-reflecting portion 513 is bent from the lower edge of the side plate portion 511c in the opposite direction to the side plate portion 511b. The water-reflecting portion 513 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction so that the further it extends from the side plate portion 511c, the further it moves away from the side plate portion 511b and closer to the upper plate portion 511a. Note that the water-reflecting portion 513 shown in FIG. 4 is an example and is not limited to this form. As will be described later, the water-reflecting portion 513 does not need to be inclined, and its length is not particularly limited as long as it does not overflow even if rainwater dripping from the eaves of the roof 2 hits the gutter member 4 and splashes back.

[0054] In the jig 51, the upper plate portion 511a of the engaging main body portion 511 abuts against the top 45a of the ear portion 45, the side plate portions 511b and 511c clamp the ear portion 45 from the left and right, and the locking plate portion 511d abuts against the bottom portion 45c to restrict upward movement of the engaging main body portion 511 relative to the ear portion 45, i.e., removal.

[0055] When the engaging main body 511 is pressed from above onto the ear 45 to engage with it, mainly the side plate portions 511b and 511c elastically deform so that the side plate portion 511c abuts against the side plate 42 and the locking plate portion 511d abuts against the side portion 45b. After that, when the locking plate portion 511d is positioned below the bottom portion 45c, the side plate portions 511b and 511c return to their original elastically deformed state. This restricts movement of the engaging main body 511 relative to the ear 45 in the up-down direction and in the direction connecting the side plate portions 511b and 511c.

[0056] The jig 52 has a mirror image of the jig 51 and includes an engaging main body portion 521 , a net engaging portion 522 , and a water returning portion 523 .

[0057] The engagement main body 521 has a flat upper plate 521a that abuts against the top 46a of the ear 46 and extends horizontally, a flat side plate 521b that extends downward from one edge of the upper plate 521a and faces the side 46b of the ear 46, a flat side plate 521c that extends downward from the other edge of the upper plate 521a opposite to the side plate 521b and faces the side plate 43, and a flat locking plate 521d that extends from the lower edge of the side plate 521b toward the side plate 521c and faces the bottom 46c of the ear 46. The locking plate 521d is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction so that it approaches the upper plate 521a as it extends toward its tip.

[0058] The net locking portion 522 extends upward from the upper plate portion 521a of the engagement main body portion 521, extends in a direction connecting the side plate portions 521b and 521c, and spreads out in a plane perpendicular to the upper plate portion 521a. As shown in FIG. 5, the net locking portion 522 is formed on one edge of the upper plate portion 521a in a direction perpendicular to the direction connecting the side plate portions 521b and 521c. The net locking portion 522 is flat, and as shown in FIG. 4, has a neck portion 522a and a head portion 522b. The net locking portion 522 has the same shape as the net locking portion 512 and is arranged on the same plane.

[0059] The neck portion 522a extends vertically upward from the middle portion of the upper plate portion 521a in the direction connecting the side plate portions 521b and 521c. Head 522b protrudes evenly from the upper end of neck 522a toward side plate 521b and toward side plate 521c. Head 522b has an upper surface that is arc-shaped and convex upward. The width of head 522b in the direction connecting side plate 521b and side plate 521c is smaller than the width of top plate 521a in the same direction.

[0060] Water returning portion 523 is bent from the lower edge of side plate portion 521c in the opposite direction to side plate portion 521b. Water returning portion 523 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction so that the further it extends from side plate portion 521c, the further it moves away from side plate portion 521b and the closer it gets to upper plate portion 521a.

[0061] In the jig 52, the upper plate portion 521a of the engaging main body portion 521 abuts against the top 46a of the ear portion 46, the side plate portions 521b and 521c hold the ear portion 46 from the left and right, and the locking plate portion 521d abuts against the bottom portion 46c to restrict upward movement of the engaging main body portion 521 relative to the ear portion 46, i.e., removal.

[0062] When engagement main body 521 is pressed from above onto ear 46 to engage with it, mainly side plate portions 521b and 521c elastically deform so that side plate portion 521c abuts against side plate 43 and locking plate portion 521d abuts against side portion 46b. After that, when locking plate portion 521d is positioned below bottom portion 46c, side plate portions 521b and 521c return to their original elastically deformed state. This causes engagement main body 521 to engage with ear 46, restricting movement of engagement main body 521 relative to ear 46 in the up-down direction and in the direction connecting side plate portions 521b and 521c.

[0063] The reinforcing member 53 connects the side plate portion 511c of the jig 51 and the side plate portion 521c of the jig 52. The reinforcing member 53 is a flat band plate extending in a direction connecting the jigs 51 and 52, and as shown in FIG. 5 , the jigs 51 and 52 are connected so that they protrude from the reinforcing member 53 to the same side in the plate thickness direction of the reinforcing member 53. The net engaging portions 512 and 522 of the jigs 51 and 52 are arranged on the same plane as the reinforcing member 53. The water-reflecting portion 513 of the jig 51 is bent from the side plate portion 511c toward the jig 52, and the water-reflecting portion 523 of the jig 52 is bent from the side plate portion 521c toward the jig 51.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 4 , the reinforcing device 5 is attached to the gutter member 4 by engaging the engaging body portion 511 of the jig 51 with the ear portion 45 and the engaging body portion 521 of the jig 52 with the ear portion 46 as described above. The reinforcing device 5 then extends in a direction connecting the side plates 42 and 43 of the gutter member 4. In this state, the reinforcing device 5 suppresses deformation of the gutter member 4, mainly that which changes the spacing between the side plates 42 and 43 on the opening 44 side of the side plates 42 and 43. For example, even if wind blows up from the ground along the wall of a building or the like onto the gutter member 4, applying a force that deforms the side plate 43 toward the side plate 42, such deformation is suppressed by the tension of the reinforcing device 5, mainly the reinforcing member 53.

[0065] When reinforcing tool 5 is attached to gutter member 4, water-reflecting portion 513 and water-reflecting portion 523 are disposed within gutter member 4 and are inclined so that the extending tips are positioned inward and above gutter member 4. Water-reflecting portion 513 and water-reflecting portion 523 prevent rainwater that splashes around within gutter member 4 from splashing out of opening 44.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 6 , the net member 6 is formed in a lattice shape with a plurality of warp threads 61 arranged parallel to each other at equal intervals and a plurality of weft threads 62 arranged perpendicular to the warp threads 61 at equal intervals. The spaces surrounded by adjacent warp threads 61 and adjacent weft threads 62 form mesh sections 63. As shown in FIG. 7 , the gap between adjacent warp threads 61 and 61 is larger than the width of the neck portion 512a of the net retaining portion 512 of the jig 51 and smaller than the width of the head portion 512b. The gap between adjacent weft threads 62 and 62 is larger than the thickness of the net retaining portion 512 of the jig 51. The gap between adjacent warp threads 61 and 61 is larger than the width of the neck portion 522a of the net retaining portion 522 of the jig 52 and smaller than the width of the head portion 522b. The gap between adjacent weft thread portions 62 is larger than the thickness of the net engaging portion 522 of the jig 52. The net member 6 has a shape that is curved in an arc about an axis along the extension direction of the warp thread portions 61. The net member 6 is an integrally molded product made of synthetic resin such as polypropylene. The net member 6 is elastically deformable, and before attachment, is curved in an arc having its center in the extension direction of the warp thread portions 61.

[0067] The net member 6 is arranged so that the extension direction of the warp thread portion 61 is aligned with the extension direction of the gutter member 4, and is curved convexly upward as shown in Figure 4, while covering the opening 44 of the gutter member 4 from above, and engages with the net locking portion 512 of the jig 51 and the net locking portion 522 of the jig 52 of the reinforcing member 5 attached to the gutter member 4.

[0068] That is, the net member 6 is pressed from above against the net locking portion 512 of the jig 51 of the reinforcing tool 5, and as a result, the head portion 512b of the net locking portion 512 shown in Fig. 7 is inserted into one mesh portion 63 of the net member 6 while elastically deforming the pair of warp thread portions 61 forming this mesh portion 63. Then, the net member 6 is disposed between the upper plate portion 511a of the engaging main body portion 511 and the head portion 512b of the net locking portion 512, with the neck portion 512a of the net locking portion 512 of the jig 51 positioned within this one mesh portion 63. At this time, the pair of warp thread portions 61 forming this one mesh portion 63 return to their original state from elastic deformation. As a result, the maximum gap between one of the pair of warp thread portions 61 forming this mesh portion 63 and the neck portion 512a and the maximum gap between the other warp thread portion 61 and the neck portion 512a are both smaller than the amount of lateral protrusion of the head portion 512b from the neck portion 512a.

[0069] Furthermore, the net member 6 is pressed from above against the net locking portion 522 of the jig 52 of the reinforcing tool 5, and as a result, the head portion 522b of the net locking portion 522 is inserted into the other mesh portion 63 of the net member 6 while elastically deforming the pair of warp thread portions 61 forming this mesh portion 63. Then, the net member 6 is positioned between the upper plate portion 521a of the engaging main body portion 521 and the head portion 522b of the net locking portion 522, with the neck portion 522a of the net locking portion 522 of the jig 52 disposed within this other mesh portion 63. At this time, the pair of warp thread portions 61 forming this other mesh portion 63 return to their original state from elastic deformation. As a result, the maximum gap between one of the pair of warp thread portions 61 forming this other mesh portion 63 and the neck portion 522a and the maximum gap between the other warp thread portion 61 and the neck portion 512a are both smaller than the amount of lateral protrusion of the head portion 522b from the neck portion 522a.

[0070] As a result, the net member 6 is supported by the jigs 51, 52 on both sides in a state where it is prevented from coming off, and covers the opening 44 of the gutter member 4. Even if the net member 6 tries to move upward due to the influence of wind or the like, the pair of warp threads 61 that form the mesh portion 63 that engages with the net locking portion 512 abuts against the heads 512b, and the pair of warp threads 61 that form the mesh portion 63 that engages with the net locking portion 522 abuts against the heads 522b, so that the upward movement, i.e., the removal from the reinforcing device 5 is prevented.

[0071] In the gutter system 1, a plurality of reinforcing members 5 are attached to the gutter member 4 at intervals in the extension direction of the gutter member 4, and a net member 6 is supported by each of the plurality of reinforcing members 5. In this case, it is preferable to set the length of the net member 6 or the spacing of the reinforcing members 5 so that one net member 6 is supported by at least two reinforcing members 5.

[0072] In the gutter system 1 according to the first embodiment, the net member 6 covers the opening 44 of the gutter member 4, and therefore the net member 6 can prevent foreign matter such as fallen leaves from entering the gutter member 4. This reduces the frequency of the time-consuming task of removing accumulated foreign matter from the gutter member 4.

[0073] Furthermore, the gutter system 1 has jigs 51, 52 that engage with the ears 45, 46 on both sides of the gutter member 4, respectively, and the net member 6 is supported by the net engagement portions 512, 522 of these jigs 51, 52 on both sides, so that the net member 6 can be easily attached to cover the opening 44 of the gutter member 4 without changing the shape of the gutter member 4.

[0074] Furthermore, in the gutter system 1, the gutter member 4 can be reinforced with the reinforcing member 53 that connects the jigs 51, 52 on both sides, so deformation of the gutter member 4 due to the influence of wind and the like can be suppressed. Furthermore, in the gutter system 1, the jigs 51 and 52 on both sides are connected by the reinforcing member 53, so if these are connected in advance, like the reinforcing member 5, the number of operations during construction can be reduced.

[0075] Furthermore, the gutter system 1 can prevent rainwater that bounces back inside the gutter member 4 from splashing out of the opening 44 by the water return sections 513, 523 provided on the jigs 51, 52.

[0076] [Second embodiment] Next, a rain gutter system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing on differences from the first embodiment, mainly with reference to Fig. 8. The same parts as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and names.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 8, the gutter system 1A according to the second embodiment has a reinforcing device 5A that is partially different from the reinforcing device 5, instead of the reinforcing device 5. The reinforcing device 5A has a reinforcing member 53A that is partially different from the reinforcing member 53, instead of the reinforcing member 53. The reinforcing device 5A is made of metal, and jigs 51, 52, and reinforcing member 53A are integrally formed. The reinforcing device 5A is formed, for example, by bending a plate material.

[0078] Similar to reinforcing member 53, reinforcing member 53A has a flat reinforcing member main body 531 that connects jigs 51 and 52, a flat extending portion 532 that extends upward from the center of the extending direction of reinforcing member main body 531 perpendicular to the extending direction of reinforcing member main body 531, and a flat net engaging portion 533 provided at the upper end of extending portion 532. Reinforcing member main body 531, extending portion 532, and net engaging portion 533 are arranged on the same plane.

[0079] The net engaging portion 533 has a neck portion 533a and a head portion 533b. The net engaging portion 533 is disposed on the same plane as the net engaging portion 512 of the jig 51 and the net engaging portion 522 of the jig 52.

[0080] The width of the neck portion 533a in the direction connecting the jigs 51 and 52 is narrower than the width of the extending portion 532 in the same direction. The neck portion 533a extends upward from an intermediate portion in the direction connecting the jigs 51 and 52 of the upper end portion of the extending portion 532, specifically from the central portion, along the extension direction of the extending portion 532.

[0081] The head 533b protrudes evenly from the upper end of the neck 533a in the directions toward the jig 51 and the jig 52. The upper surface of the head 533b is arc-shaped and convex upward. The width of the head 533b in the direction connecting the jigs 51 and 52 is equal to the width of the extension 532 in the same direction. The width of the neck 533a of the net locking portion 533 in the direction connecting the jigs 51 and 52 is smaller than the gap between adjacent warp thread portions 61 of the net member 6. The width of the head 533b of the net locking portion 533 in the direction connecting the jigs 51 and 52 is larger than the gap between adjacent warp thread portions 61 of the net member 6. The thickness of the net locking portion 533 of the reinforcing member 53A is smaller than the gap between adjacent weft thread portions 62.

[0082] The net member 6 is arranged so that the extension direction of the warp thread portion 61 is aligned with the extension direction of the gutter member 4, and is curved convexly upward as shown in Figure 8, while covering the opening 44 of the gutter member 4 from above, and engages with the net locking portion 512 of the jig 51 of the reinforcing member 5A attached to the gutter member 4, the net locking portion 522 of the jig 52, and the net locking portion 533 of the reinforcing member 53A.

[0083] That is, the net member 6 is pressed from above against the net locking portion 512 of the jig 51 of the reinforcing device 5A, and as a result, as in the first embodiment, the head 512b of the net locking portion 512 is inserted into one mesh portion 63 while the warp thread portion 61 and the warp thread portion 61 forming this one mesh portion 63 are elastically deformed, and then the net member 6 is positioned between the upper plate portion 511a of the engaging main body portion 511 and the head 512b of the net locking portion 512.

[0084] In addition, the net member 6 is pressed from above against the net locking portion 522 of the jig 52 of the reinforcing device 5A, and as a result, as in the first embodiment, the head 522b of the net locking portion 522 is inserted into the other mesh portion 63 while elastically deforming the warp thread portions 61 and warp thread portions 61 that form this other mesh portion 63, and then is positioned between the upper plate portion 521a of the engaging main body portion 521 and the head 522b of the net locking portion 522.

[0085] Furthermore, the net member 6 is pressed from above against the net locking portion 533 of the reinforcing member 53A of the reinforcing tool 5A, and as a result, the head 533b of the net locking portion 533 is inserted into the other mesh portion 63 of the net member 6 while elastically deforming the pair of warp thread portions 61 that form this other mesh portion 63. Then, the net member 6 is positioned between the upper end of the extension portion 532 and the head 533b of the net locking portion 533, with the neck portion 533a of the net locking portion 533 of the reinforcing member 53A positioned within this other mesh portion 63. At that time, the pair of warp thread portions 61 that form this other mesh portion 63 return to their original state from elastic deformation. As a result, the maximum gap between one of the pair of warp thread portions 61 forming this other mesh portion 63 and the neck portion 533a and the maximum gap between the other warp thread portion 61 and the neck portion 533a are both smaller than the amount of lateral protrusion of the head portion 533b from the neck portion 533a.

[0086] As a result, the net member 6 is supported by the jigs 51, 52 on both sides and the central reinforcing member 53A in a state where it is prevented from coming off, and covers the opening 44 of the gutter member 4. Even if the net member 6 tries to move upward due to the influence of wind or the like, as the elastically deformed warp thread portions 61 return from their elastic deformation, the pair of warp thread portions 61 forming one mesh portion 63 that engages with the net locking portion 512 abuts against the head portion 512b, the pair of warp thread portions 61 forming the other mesh portion 63 that engages with the net locking portion 522 abuts against the head portion 522b, and further the pair of warp thread portions 61 forming the other mesh portion 63 that engages with the net locking portion 533 abuts against the head portion 533b, thereby preventing the upward movement, i.e., removal from the reinforcing member 5A.

[0087] In the gutter system 1A, a plurality of reinforcing elements 5A are attached to the gutter member 4 at intervals in the extension direction of the gutter member 4, and a net member 6 is supported by each of the plurality of reinforcing elements 5A. In this case, it is preferable to set the length of the net member 6 or the spacing of the reinforcing elements 5A so that one net member 6 is supported by at least two reinforcing elements 5A.

[0088] The gutter system 1A according to the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as the gutter system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0089] Furthermore, the gutter system 1A supports the net member 6 not only by the jigs 51 and 52 that engage with the ears 45 and 46 on both sides of the gutter member 4, but also by the reinforcing member 53A between them, thereby enabling the net member 6 to be supported more firmly.

[0090] In addition, the gutter system 1A has the net locking portion 533 on the reinforcing member 53A that is integrated with the jigs 51 and 52, so that the number of operations during construction can be reduced.

[0091] [Third embodiment] Next, a rain gutter system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing on differences from the first embodiment, mainly with reference to Fig. 9. The same parts as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and names.

[0092] As shown in Fig. 9, the gutter system 1B according to the third embodiment has a reinforcing element 5B that is partially different from the reinforcing element 5. The reinforcing element 5B has a jig 51B that is partially different from the jig 51 instead of the jig 51, and a jig 52B that is partially different from the jig 52 instead of the jig 52. The reinforcing element 5B is made of metal, and the jig 51B, the jig 52B, and the reinforcing member 53 are integrally formed. The reinforcing element 5B is formed, for example, by bending a plate material.

[0093] Jig 51B has an engagement main body 511B that is partially different from engagement main body 511 instead of engagement main body 511. Engagement main body 511B has a locking plate 511Ba that is different from locking plate 511d. Locking plate 511Ba is bent from the lower edge of side plate 511b perpendicularly to side plate 511b toward side plate 511c, protrudes beyond side plate 511b in the direction of side plate 511c, and is then bent back 180° on the lower side to extend in a direction away from side plate 511c.

[0094] The jig 51B has, instead of the net locking portion 512, a net locking portion 512B having a different shape and at a different position from the net locking portion 512. The net locking portion 512B has a base portion 512Ba, an extending plate portion 512Bb, and a tip plate portion 512Bc.

[0095] The substrate portion 512Ba is flat and extends upward from the lower edge of the locking plate portion 511Ba on the side opposite to the side plate portion 511c, beyond the upper plate portion 511a. The substrate portion 512Ba abuts against the side plate portion 511b on the side opposite to the side plate portion 511c. The extending plate portion 512Bb is flat and extends perpendicularly to the base plate portion 512Ba from the upper edge of the base plate portion 512Ba in a direction away from the side plate portion 511b. The tip plate portion 512Bc is flat and extends downward from the edge of the extending plate portion 512Bb on the side opposite to the base plate portion 512Ba.

[0096] The extension plate portion 512Bb and the tip plate portion 512Bc form a hook-shaped claw portion 514B. The combined vertical height of the tip plate portion 512Bc and the extension plate portion 512Bb is greater than the gap between adjacent warp thread portions 61 of the net member 6, and the vertical thickness of the extension plate portion 512Bb is smaller than the gap between adjacent warp thread portions 61. The width of the claw portion 514B is smaller than the gap between adjacent weft thread portions 62 of the net member 6.

[0097] In the jig 51B, the upper plate portion 511a of the engaging main body portion 511B abuts against the top 45a of the ear portion 45, the side plate portions 511b and 511c clamp the ear portion 45 from the left and right, and the locking plate portion 511Ba abuts against the bottom portion 45c to restrict upward movement of the engaging main body portion 511B relative to the ear portion 45, i.e., removal.

[0098] When engagement main body 511B is pressed from above against ear 45 to engage with it, mainly side plate portions 511b and 511c elastically deform so that side plate portion 511c abuts against side plate 42 and locking plate portion 511Ba abuts against side portion 45b. After that, when locking plate portion 511Ba is positioned below bottom portion 45c, side plate portions 511b and 511c return to their original elastically deformed state. This engages engagement main body 511B with ear 45, restricting movement of engagement main body 511B relative to ear 45 in the up-down direction and in the direction connecting side plate portions 511b and 511c.

[0099] Jig 52B has a mirror image of jig 51B, and has an engaging main body 521B that is partially different from engaging main body 521 instead of engaging main body 521. Engaging main body 521B has a locking plate 521Ba that is different from locking plate 521d. Locking plate 521Ba is bent from the lower edge of side plate 521b perpendicularly to side plate 521b toward side plate 521c, protrudes beyond side plate 521b in the direction of side plate 521c, and is then bent back 180° on the lower side to extend away from side plate 521c.

[0100] The jig 52B has, instead of the net locking portion 522, a net locking portion 522B having a different shape and at a different position from the net locking portion 522. The net locking portion 522B has a base portion 522Ba, an extending plate portion 522Bb, and a tip plate portion 522Bc.

[0101] The substrate portion 522Ba is flat and extends upward from the lower edge of the locking plate portion 521Ba on the side opposite to the side plate portion 521c, beyond the upper plate portion 521a. The substrate portion 522Ba abuts against the side plate portion 521b on the side opposite to the side plate portion 521c. The extending plate portion 522Bb is flat and extends perpendicularly to the base plate portion 522Ba from the upper edge of the base plate portion 522Ba in a direction away from the side plate portion 521b. The tip plate portion 522Bc is flat and extends downward from the edge of the extending plate portion 522Bb on the side opposite to the base plate portion 522Ba.

[0102] The extension plate portion 522Bb and the tip plate portion 522Bc form a hook-shaped claw portion 524B. The reinforcing member 5B has hook-shaped claws 514B and 524B provided facing opposite directions on both outer sides in the extending direction. The combined vertical height of the tip plate portion 522Bc and the extension plate portion 522Bb is greater than the gap between adjacent warp thread portions 61 of the net member 6, and the vertical thickness of the extension plate portion 522Bb is smaller than the gap between adjacent warp thread portions 61 of the net member 6. The width of the claw portion 524B is smaller than the gap between adjacent weft thread portions 62 of the net member 6.

[0103] In the jig 52B, the upper plate portion 521a of the engaging main body portion 521B abuts against the top portion 46a of the ear portion 46, the side plate portions 521b and 521c clamp the ear portion 46 from the left and right, and the locking plate portion 521Ba abuts against the bottom portion 46c to restrict upward movement of the engaging main body portion 521B relative to the ear portion 46, i.e., removal.

[0104] When engagement main body 521B is pressed from above against ear 46 to engage with it, mainly side plate portions 521b and 521c elastically deform so that side plate portion 521c abuts against side plate 43 and locking plate portion 521Ba abuts against side portion 46b. After that, when locking plate portion 521Ba is positioned below bottom portion 46c, side plate portions 521b and 521c return to their original elastically deformed state. This causes engagement main body 521B to engage with ear 46, restricting movement relative to ear 46 in the up-down direction and in the direction connecting side plate portions 521b and 521c.

[0105] Reinforcing tool 5B is attached to gutter member 4 by engaging engagement body portion 511B of jig 51B with ear portion 45 and engagement body portion 521B of jig 52B with ear portion 46 as described above. Reinforcing tool 5B then extends in a direction connecting side plate 42 and side plate 43 of gutter member 4.

[0106] The net member 6 is arranged so that the extension direction of the warp thread portion 61 is aligned with the extension direction of the gutter member 4, and is curved convexly upward as shown in Figure 9, while covering the opening 44 of the gutter member 4 from above, and engages with the net engaging portion 512B of the jig 51B and the net engaging portion 522B of the jig 52B of the reinforcing member 5B attached to the gutter member 4. That is, the tip plate portion 512Bc of the net locking portion 512B of the jig 51B is inserted into one mesh portion 63 at one end in the width direction of the net member 6, and then the extending plate portion 512Bb is inserted therethrough. Also, the tip plate portion 522Bc of the net locking portion 522B of the jig 52B is inserted into the other mesh portion 63 at the other end in the width direction of the net member 6, and then the extending plate portion 522Bb is inserted therethrough.

[0107] When the jigs 51B and 52B are engaged in this manner, one of the warp thread portions 61 constituting one mesh portion 63 through which the extending plate portion 512Bb of the jig 51B is inserted abuts against the upper surface of the extending plate portion 512Bb. In this state, even if the one mesh portion 63 moves in a direction to come off the claw portions 514B, the tip plate portion 512Bc of the jig 51B abuts against the other warp thread portion 61 constituting the one mesh portion 63, preventing the one mesh portion 63 from coming off the claw portions 514B. Furthermore, one of the warp thread portions 61 constituting the other mesh portion 63 through which the extending plate portion 522Bb of the jig 52B is inserted abuts against the upper surface of the extending plate portion 522Bb. In this state, even if the other mesh portion 63 moves in a direction to come off the claw portion 524B, the tip plate portion 522Bc of the jig 52B abuts against the other warp thread portion 61 that constitutes the other mesh portion 63, thereby preventing the other mesh portion 63 from coming off the claw portion 524B.

[0108] As a result, the net member 6 covers the opening 44 of the gutter member 4 while being supported by the jigs 51B and 52B on both sides in a state where it is prevented from coming off.

[0109] In the gutter system 1B, a plurality of reinforcing elements 5B are attached to the gutter member 4 at intervals in the extension direction of the gutter member 4, and a net member 6 is supported by each of the plurality of reinforcing elements 5B. In this case, it is preferable to set the length of the net member 6 or the spacing of the reinforcing elements 5B so that one net member 6 is supported by at least two reinforcing elements 5B.

[0110] The gutter system 1B according to the third embodiment can achieve the same effects as the gutter system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0111] Furthermore, in the gutter system 1B, the net member 6 is supported by hook-shaped claw portions 514B, 524B provided facing oppositely on both outer sides in the extending direction of the reinforcing member 5B, so that the operation of engaging the net member 6 is easy.

[0112] The reinforcing member 53 of the reinforcing tool 5B can be changed to the reinforcing member 53A of the second embodiment.

[0113] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a rain gutter system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing on differences from the first embodiment, mainly with reference to Fig. 10. The same parts as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and names.

[0114] As shown in Fig. 10, a gutter system 1C according to the fourth embodiment has a reinforcing device 5C that is partially different from the reinforcing device 5, instead of the reinforcing device 5. The reinforcing device 5C has a jig 51C that is partially different from the jig 51, a jig 52C that is partially different from the jig 52, instead of the jig 52, and a reinforcing member 53C that is partially different from the reinforcing member 53, instead of the reinforcing member 53. The reinforcing device 5C is made of metal, and the jig 51C, the jig 52C, and the reinforcing member 53C are formed integrally. The reinforcing device 5C is formed, for example, by bending a plate material.

[0115] Instead of the net locking portion 512, the jig 51C has a net locking portion 512C having a different shape and at a different position from the net locking portion 512. The net locking portion 512C is provided above the water returning portion 513, and has a base portion 512Ca, an extending plate portion 512Cb, and a tip plate portion 512Cc.

[0116] The base plate portion 512Ca is flat and extends substantially vertically upward from the upper edge of the water returning portion 513. The base plate portion 512Ca is disposed apart from the side plate portion 511c on the opposite side of the side plate portion 511c to the side plate portion 511b. The extending plate portion 512Cb is flat and extends perpendicular to the substrate portion 512Ca from the upper edge of the substrate portion 512Ca in a direction approaching the side plate portion 511c, up to just before the side plate portion 511c. The tip plate portion 512Cc is flat and extends downward from the edge of the extending plate portion 512Cb on the side plate portion 511c side to just before the water returning portion 513.

[0117] The extension plate portion 512Cb and the tip plate portion 512Cc form a hook-shaped claw portion 514C. The combined vertical height of the tip plate portion 512Cc and the extension plate portion 512Cb is greater than the spacing between adjacent warp thread portions 61 of the net member 6, and the vertical thickness of the extension plate portion 512Cb is smaller than the spacing between adjacent warp thread portions 61. The width of the claw portion 514C is smaller than the gap between adjacent weft thread portions 62 of the net member 6.

[0118] Jig 52C has a mirror image of jig 51C, and instead of net locking portion 522, has net locking portion 522C of a different shape at a different position from net locking portion 522. Net locking portion 522C is provided above water returning portion 523, and has base portion 522Ca, extension plate portion 522Cb, and tip plate portion 522Cc.

[0119] The substrate portion 522Ca is flat and extends substantially vertically upward from the upper edge of the water returning portion 523. The substrate portion 522Ca is disposed apart from the side plate portion 521c on the opposite side of the side plate portion 521c to the side plate portion 521b. The extending plate portion 522Cb is flat and extends perpendicular to the substrate portion 522Ca from the upper edge of the substrate portion 522Ca in a direction approaching the side plate portion 521c to just before the side plate portion 521c. The tip plate portion 522Cc is flat and extends downward from the end of the extending plate portion 522Cb on the side plate portion 521c side to just before the water returning portion 523.

[0120] The extension plate portion 522Cb and the tip plate portion 522Cc form a hook-shaped claw portion 524C. The combined vertical height of the tip plate portion 522Cc and the extension plate portion 522Cb is greater than the spacing between adjacent warp thread portions 61 of the net member 6, and the vertical thickness of the extension plate portion 522Cb is smaller than the spacing between adjacent warp thread portions 61. The width of the claw portion 524C is smaller than the gap between the adjacent weft thread portions 62 of the net member 6.

[0121] The reinforcing member 53C connects the water-reflecting portion 513 and the substrate portion 512Ca of the jig 51C to the water-reflecting portion 523 and the substrate portion 522Ca of the jig 52C.

[0122] Reinforcement tool 5C is attached to gutter member 4 by engaging engagement body portion 511 of jig 51C with ear portion 45 in the same manner as jig 51, and engaging body portion 521 of jig 52B with ear portion 46 in the same manner as jig 52. Then, reinforcing tool 5C is in a state of extending in a direction connecting side plate 42 and side plate 43 of gutter member 4.

[0123] The net member 6 is arranged so that the extension direction of the warp thread portion 61 is aligned with the extension direction of the gutter member 4, and is curved convexly upward as shown in Figure 10, while covering the opening 44 of the gutter member 4 from above, and engages with the net engaging portion 512C of the jig 51C of the reinforcing member 5C attached to the gutter member 4 and the net engaging portion 522C of the jig 52C. That is, the tip plate portion 512Cc of the net locking portion 512C of the jig 51C is inserted into one mesh portion 63 at one end in the width direction of the net member 6, and then the extending plate portion 512Cb is inserted therethrough. Also, the tip plate portion 522Cc of the net locking portion 522C of the jig 52C is inserted into the other mesh portion 63 at the other end in the width direction of the net member 6, and then the extending plate portion 522Cb is inserted therethrough.

[0124] When the jigs 51C and 52C are engaged in this manner, one of the warp thread portions 61 constituting one mesh portion 63 through which the extending plate portion 512Cb of the jig 51C is inserted abuts against the upper surface of the extending plate portion 512Cb of the net member 6. In this state, even if the one mesh portion 63 moves in a direction away from the claw portions 514C, the tip plate portion 512Cc of the jig 51C abuts against the other warp thread portion 61 constituting the one mesh portion 63, preventing the one mesh portion 63 from coming off the claw portions 514C. Furthermore, one of the warp thread portions 61 constituting the other mesh portion 63 through which the extending plate portion 522Cb of the jig 52C is inserted abuts against the upper surface of the extending plate portion 522Cb of the net member 6. In this state, even if the other mesh portion 63 moves in a direction to come off the claw portion 524C, the tip plate portion 522Cc of the jig 52C abuts against the other warp thread portion 61 that constitutes the other mesh portion 63, thereby preventing the other mesh portion 63 from coming off the claw portion 524C.

[0125] As a result, the net member 6 covers the opening 44 of the gutter member 4 while being supported by the jigs 51C and 52C on both sides in a state where it is prevented from coming off.

[0126] In the gutter system 1C, a plurality of reinforcing elements 5C are attached to the gutter member 4 at intervals in the extension direction of the gutter member 4, and a net member 6 is supported by each of the plurality of reinforcing elements 5C. In this case, it is preferable to set the length of the net member 6 or the spacing of the reinforcing elements 5C so that one net member 6 is supported by at least two reinforcing elements 5C.

[0127] The gutter system 1C according to the fourth embodiment can achieve the same effects as the gutter system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0128] Moreover, in the gutter system 1C, the net member 6 is supported by the hook-shaped claw portions 514C, 524C, so that the operation of engaging the net member 6 becomes easy.

[0129] It is also possible to provide the reinforcing member 53C of the reinforcing tool 5C with an extension 532 and a net engaging portion 533, as in the reinforcing member 53A of the second embodiment.

[0130] [Fifth embodiment] Next, a rain gutter system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing on differences from the first embodiment, mainly with reference to Fig. 11. The same parts as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and names.

[0131] As shown in Fig. 11, a gutter system 1D according to the fifth embodiment has a reinforcing device 5D that is partially different from the reinforcing device 5, instead of the reinforcing device 5. The reinforcing device 5D has a reinforcing member 53D that is partially different from the reinforcing member 53, instead of the reinforcing member 53. The reinforcing device 5D is made of metal, and the jig 51, the jig 52, and the reinforcing member 53D are integrally formed. The reinforcing device 5D is formed, for example, by bending a plate material.

[0132] The reinforcing member 53D connects the water returning portion 513 of the jig 51 and the water returning portion 523 of the jig 52 together.

[0133] Reinforcement tool 5D is attached to gutter member 4 by engaging engagement body portion 511 of jig 51, which is similar to reinforcing tool 5, with ear portion 45, and engagement body portion 521 of jig 52 with ear portion 46. Reinforcement tool 5D then extends in a direction connecting side plate 42 and side plate 43 of gutter member 4.

[0134] The net member 6 is arranged so that the extension direction of the warp thread portion 61 is aligned with the extension direction of the gutter member 4, and as shown in Figure 11, is curved convexly upward and covers the opening 44 of the gutter member 4 from above, with one end in the width direction inserted and engaged between the side plate portion 511c and the water return portion 513 of the jig 51 of the reinforcement device 5D attached to the gutter member 4, and the other end in the width direction inserted and engaged between the side plate portion 521c and the water return portion 523 of the jig 52.

[0135] As a result of the above, the net member 6 is supported by the jigs 51 and 52 on both sides and covers the opening 44 of the gutter member 4.

[0136] In the gutter system 1D, a plurality of reinforcing elements 5D are attached to the gutter member 4 at intervals in the extension direction of the gutter member 4, and a net member 6 is supported by each of the plurality of reinforcing elements 5D. In this case, it is preferable to set the length of the net member 6 or the spacing of the reinforcing elements 5D so that one net member 6 is supported by at least two reinforcing elements 5D.

[0137] The gutter system 1D according to the fifth embodiment can achieve the same effects as the gutter system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0138] Furthermore, in the gutter system 1D, the net member 6 is inserted and supported between the side plate portion 511c and the water return portion 513 of the jig 51 of the reinforcing member 5D, and between the side plate portion 521c and the water return portion 523 of the jig 52, making it easy to engage the net member 6.

[0139] In order to prevent the net member 6 from coming off the reinforcing device 5D, it is preferable to provide the reinforcing member 53D of the reinforcing device 5D with an extension 532 and a net locking portion 533, as in the reinforcing member 53A of the second embodiment.

[0140] [Sixth embodiment] Next, a rain gutter system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing on differences from the first embodiment, mainly with reference to Fig. 12. The same parts as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and names.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 12 , a gutter system 1E according to the sixth embodiment has a support 3E that is partially different from the support 3. Like the support 3, the support 3E is attached to the roof 2 and supports the gutter member 4. The support 3E has a gutter member upper edge locking piece 341E (jig) that is partially different from the gutter member upper edge locking piece 341 instead of the gutter member upper edge locking piece 341, and has a gutter member upper edge locking piece 351E (jig) that is partially different from the gutter member upper edge locking piece 351 instead of the gutter member upper edge locking piece 351. Like the gutter member upper edge locking piece 341, the gutter member upper edge locking piece 341E also engages with and holds down an ear 45 provided on the upper edge of the side plate 42 of the gutter member 4. Like the gutter member upper edge locking piece 351, the gutter member upper edge locking piece 351E also engages with and holds down an ear 46 provided on the upper edge of the side plate 43 of the gutter member 4. The gutter member upper edge locking pieces 341E and 351E are both made of metal and are formed by bending a plate material, for example.

[0142] The gutter member upper edge locking piece 341E has a net locking portion 512E extending from the extension piece 341c toward the opposite side from the side plate 42. The net locking portion 512E is a flat plate extending perpendicular to the extension direction of the gutter member 4, and is provided on one edge of the extension piece 341c in the extension direction of the gutter member 4. The net locking portion 512E has a neck portion 512Ea and a head portion 512Eb.

[0143] The neck portion 512Ea extends in the opposite direction to the side plate 42 from the vertical middle portion of the extension piece 341c.

[0144] The head 512Eb protrudes equally upward and downward from the extending tip of the neck 512Ea. The surface of the head 512Eb opposite to the neck 512Ea has an arcuate shape that protrudes in the opposite direction to the neck 512Ea. The vertical width of the neck portion 512Ea of the net locking portion 512E is smaller than the gap between adjacent warp thread portions 61 of the net member 6. The vertical width of the head portion 512Eb of the net locking portion 512E is larger than the gap between adjacent warp thread portions 61 of the net member 6. The thickness of the net locking portion 512E is smaller than the gap between adjacent weft thread portions 62 of the net member 6.

[0145] The gutter member upper edge locking piece 341E has a water return portion 513E. The water return portion 513E is flat and bent from the lower edge of the extension piece 341c in the direction opposite to the side plate 42. The water return portion 513E is positioned higher as it extends from the extension piece 341c and is inclined so as to move away from the side plate 42.

[0146] Gutter member upper edge locking piece 351E is mirror-image to gutter member upper edge locking piece 341E, and has a net locking portion 522E extending from extension piece 351c toward the opposite side of side plate 43. Net locking portion 522E is a flat plate extending perpendicular to the extension direction of gutter member 4, and is provided on one edge of extension piece 351c in the extension direction of gutter member 4. Net locking portion 522E is disposed on the same plane as net locking portion 512E. Net locking portion 522E has a neck portion 522Ea and a head portion 522Eb.

[0147] The neck portion 522Ea extends in the opposite direction to the side plate 43 from the vertically intermediate portion of the extension piece 351c.

[0148] The head 522Eb protrudes equally upward and downward from the extending tip of the neck 522Ea. The surface of the head 522Eb opposite to the neck 522Ea has an arcuate shape that protrudes in the opposite direction to the neck 522Ea. The vertical width of the neck portion 522Ea of the net locking portion 522E is smaller than the gap between adjacent warp thread portions 61 of the net member 6. The vertical width of the head portion 522Eb of the net locking portion 522E is larger than the gap between adjacent warp thread portions 61 of the net member 6. The thickness of the net locking portion 522E is smaller than the gap between adjacent weft thread portions 62 of the net member 6.

[0149] The gutter member upper edge locking piece 351E has a water return portion 523E. The water return portion 523E is bent from the lower edge of the extension piece 351c in the direction opposite to the side plate 43. The water return portion 523E is positioned higher as it extends from the extension piece 341c and is inclined so as to move away from the side plate 43.

[0150] The net member 6 is arranged so that the extension direction of the warp thread portion 61 is aligned with the extension direction of the gutter member 4, and is curved convexly upward as shown in Figure 12, while covering the opening 44 side of the gutter member 4 from above, and engages with the net locking portion 512E of the gutter member upper edge locking piece 341E of the support 3E that supports the gutter member 4 and the net locking portion 522E of the gutter member upper edge locking piece 351E.

[0151] The net member 6 is pressed laterally against the net locking portion 512E of the gutter member upper edge locking piece 341E of the support 3E, and as a result, the head 512Eb of the net locking portion 512E is inserted into one mesh portion 63 of the net member 6 while elastically deforming the pair of warp threads 61 forming this one mesh portion 63. Then, the net member 6 is positioned between the extension piece 341c and the head 512Eb of the net locking portion 512E with the neck 512Ea of the net locking portion 512E of the gutter member upper edge locking piece 341E located within this one mesh portion 63. At this time, the pair of warp threads 61 forming this one mesh portion 63 returns from their elastic deformation. As a result, the maximum gap between one of the pair of warp thread portions 61 forming this mesh portion 63 and the neck portion 512Ea and the maximum gap between the other warp thread portion 61 and the neck portion 512Ea are both smaller than the amount of protrusion of the head portion 512Eb in the vertical direction from the neck portion 512Ea.

[0152] Furthermore, the net member 6 is pressed laterally against the net locking portion 522E of the gutter member upper edge locking piece 351E of the support 3E, and as a result, the head portion 522Eb of the net locking portion 522E is inserted into the other mesh portion 63 of the net member 6 while elastically deforming the pair of warp thread portions 61 forming this other mesh portion 63. Then, the net member 6 is positioned between the extension piece 351c and the head portion 522Eb of the net locking portion 522E with the neck portion 522Ea of the net locking portion 522E of the gutter member upper edge locking piece 351E located within this other mesh portion 63. At this time, the pair of warp thread portions 61 forming this other mesh portion 63 returns from their elastic deformation. As a result, the maximum gap between one of the pair of warp thread portions 61 forming this other mesh portion 63 and the neck portion 522Ea and the maximum gap between the other warp thread portion 61 and the neck portion 522Ea are both smaller than the amount of protrusion of the head portion 522Eb in the vertical direction from the neck portion 522Ea.

[0153] As a result, the net member 6 is supported by the gutter member upper edge locking pieces 341E, 351E on both sides in a state where it is prevented from coming off, and covers the opening 44 of the gutter member 4. As the elastically deformed warp thread portions 61 of the net member 6 return from their elastic deformation, even when affected by wind or the like, the pair of warp thread portions 61 forming the mesh portion 63 that engages with the net locking portion 512E abuts against the head portions 512Eb, and the pair of warp thread portions 61 forming the mesh portion 63 that engages with the net locking portion 522E abuts against the head portions 522Eb, preventing it from coming off the support 3E.

[0154] In the gutter system 1E, a plurality of supports 3E arranged at intervals in the extension direction of the gutter members 4 support the gutter members 4, and each of these supports 3E supports a net member 6. In this case, it is preferable to set the length of the net members 6 or the spacing between the supports 3E so that one net member 6 is supported by at least two supports 3E.

[0155] In the gutter system 1E according to the sixth embodiment, the net member 6 covers the opening 44 of the gutter member 4, and therefore the net member 6 can prevent foreign matter such as fallen leaves from entering the gutter member 4. This reduces the frequency of the time-consuming task of removing accumulated foreign matter from the gutter member 4.

[0156] Furthermore, the gutter system 1E has gutter member upper edge engagement pieces 341E, 351E that engage with the ear portions 45, 46 on both sides of the gutter member 4, and the net member 6 is supported by the net engagement portions 512E, 522E of the gutter member upper edge engagement pieces 341E, 351E on both sides, so that the net member 6 can be easily attached to cover the opening 44 of the gutter member 4 without changing the shape of the gutter member 4.

[0157] Furthermore, the gutter system 1E can prevent rainwater that bounces back inside the gutter member 4 from splashing out of the opening 44 by the water return portions 513E, 523E provided on the gutter member upper edge locking pieces 341E, 351E.

[0158] [Seventh embodiment] Next, a rain gutter system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing on differences from the sixth embodiment, mainly with reference to Fig. 13. The same parts as those in the sixth embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and names.

[0159] As shown in Figure 13, a gutter system 1F according to the seventh embodiment has a support 3F that is partially different from support 3E in place of support 3E. Support 3F has a gutter member upper edge locking piece 341F (jig) that is partially different from gutter member upper edge locking piece 341E in place of support 3E, and has a gutter member upper edge locking piece 351F (jig) that is partially different from gutter member upper edge locking piece 351E in place of support 341E. Like gutter member upper edge locking piece 341E, gutter member upper edge locking piece 341F also engages with and holds down ears 45 provided on the upper edges of side plates 42 of gutter member 4. Like gutter member upper edge locking piece 351E, gutter member upper edge locking piece 351F also engages with and holds down ears 46 provided on the upper edges of side plates 43 of gutter member 4. The gutter member upper edge locking pieces 341F and 351F are mirror images of each other. The gutter member upper edge locking pieces 341F and 351F are both made of metal and are formed by bending a plate, for example.

[0160] Instead of net locking portion 512E, gutter member upper edge locking piece 341F has net locking portion 512F of a different shape at a different position from net locking portion 512E. Net locking portion 512F extends perpendicular to the extension direction of gutter member 4 and is provided on one edge of upright piece 341b in the extension direction of gutter member 4. Net locking portion 512F has a base portion 512Fa, an extension plate portion 512Fb, and a tip plate portion 512Fc.

[0161] The substrate portion 512Fa extends substantially vertically upward from the end of the standing piece 341b opposite the base end portion 341a, perpendicular to the standing piece 341b. The extending plate portion 512Fb extends perpendicularly to the base portion 512Fa from the upper end of the base portion 512Fa in a direction approaching the base portion 341a to just before the base portion 341a. The distal end plate portion 512Fc extends downward from the end portion of the extending plate portion 512Fb on the base end portion 341a side to just before the upright piece 341b.

[0162] The extension plate portion 512Fb and the tip plate portion 512Fc form a hook-shaped claw portion 514F. The combined vertical height of the tip plate portion 512Fc and the extension plate portion 512Fb is greater than the gap between adjacent warp thread portions 61 of the net member 6, and the vertical thickness of the extension plate portion 512Fb is smaller than the gap between adjacent warp thread portions 61. The width of the claw portion 514F is smaller than the gap between adjacent weft thread portions 62 of the net member 6.

[0163] Gutter member upper edge locking piece 351F is mirror-image to gutter member upper edge locking piece 341F, and instead of net locking portion 522E, has a net locking portion 522F of a different shape at a different position from net locking portion 522E. Net locking portion 522F extends perpendicular to the extension direction of gutter member 4 and is provided on one edge of upright piece 351b in the extension direction of gutter member 4. Net locking portion 522F is disposed on the same plane as net locking portion 512F. Net locking portion 522F has a base portion 522Fa, an extension plate portion 522Fb, and a tip plate portion 522Fc.

[0164] The substrate portion 522Fa extends substantially vertically upward from the end of the standing piece 351b opposite to the base end portion 351a, perpendicular to the standing piece 351b. The extending plate portion 522Fb extends perpendicularly to the base portion 522Fa from the upper end of the base portion 522Fa in a direction approaching the base portion 351a to just before the base portion 351a. The distal end plate portion 522Fc extends downward from the end portion of the extending plate portion 522Fb on the base end portion 351a side to just before the upright piece 351b.

[0165] The extension plate portion 522Fb and the tip plate portion 522Fc form a hook-shaped claw portion 524F. The combined vertical height of the tip plate portion 522Fc and the extension plate portion 522Fb is greater than the gap between adjacent warp thread portions 61 of the net member 6, and the vertical thickness of the extension plate portion 522Fb is smaller than the gap between adjacent warp thread portions 61. The width of the claw portion 524F is smaller than the gap between adjacent weft thread portions 62 of the net member 6.

[0166] The net member 6 is arranged so that the extension direction of the warp thread portion 61 is aligned with the extension direction of the gutter member 4, and is curved convexly upward as shown in Figure 13, while covering the opening 44 of the gutter member 4 from above, and engages with the net locking portion 512F of the gutter member upper edge locking piece 341F of the support 3F that supports the gutter member 4 and the net locking portion 522F of the gutter member upper edge locking piece 351F.

[0167] That is, the tip plate portion 512Fc of the net locking portion 512F of the gutter member upper edge locking piece 341F is inserted into one mesh portion 63 at one widthwise end of the net member 6, and then the extending plate portion 512Fb is inserted therethrough. Also, the tip plate portion 522Fc of the net locking portion 522F of the gutter member upper edge locking piece 351F is inserted into the other mesh portion 63 at the other widthwise end of the net member 6, and then the extending plate portion 522Fb is inserted therethrough.

[0168] When the net member 6 engages with the gutter member upper edge locking pieces 341F, 351F in this manner, one of the warp thread portions 61 constituting one mesh portion 63 through which the extending plate portion 512Fb of the gutter member upper edge locking piece 341F is inserted abuts against the upper surface of the extending plate portion 512Fb. In this state, even if the one mesh portion 63 moves in a direction away from the claw portion 514F, the tip plate portion 512Fc of the gutter member upper edge locking piece 341F abuts against the other warp thread portion 61 constituting the one mesh portion 63, preventing the one mesh portion 63 from disengaging from the claw portion 514F. Furthermore, one of the warp thread portions 61 constituting the other mesh portion 63 through which the extending plate portion 522Fb of the gutter member upper edge locking piece 351F is inserted abuts against the upper surface of the extending plate portion 522Fb. In this state, even if the other mesh portion 63 moves in a direction to come off the claw portion 524F, the tip plate portion 522Fc of the upper edge engagement piece 351F of the gutter member abuts against the other vertical thread portion 61 that constitutes the other mesh portion 63, preventing the other mesh portion 63 from coming off the claw portion 524F.

[0169] As a result, the net member 6 covers the opening 44 of the gutter member 4 while being supported by the gutter member upper edge locking pieces 341F, 351F on both sides in a state where it is prevented from coming off.

[0170] In the gutter system 1F, a plurality of supports 3F are arranged at intervals in the extension direction of the gutter members 4 to support the gutter members 4, and a net member 6 is supported on each of these supports 3F. In this case, it is preferable to set the length of the net members 6 or the spacing between the supports 3F so that one net member 6 is supported by at least two supports 3F.

[0171] The gutter system 1F according to the seventh embodiment can achieve the same effects as the gutter system 1E according to the sixth embodiment.

[0172] Moreover, in the gutter system 1F, the net member 6 is supported by the hook-shaped claw portions 514F, 524F, so that the operation of engaging the net member 6 becomes easy.

[0173] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention also includes modifications, combinations, deletions, etc. of the configurations within the scope of the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the configurations shown in each embodiment can be used in appropriate combinations.

[0174] For example, in the gutter systems 1, 1B to 1F of the first, third to seventh embodiments, the net member 6 is not limited to having an upwardly convex curved shape, and it is also possible to stretch the net member 6 in a flat shape, as in the modified example of the gutter system 1F of the seventh embodiment illustrated in Figure 14. [Explanation of symbols]

[0175] 1, 1A~1F Rain gutter system 2. Roof 3,3E,3F Support 4 Gutter parts 6 Netting material 41 Bottom plate 42,43 Side panels 44 Opening 45,46 ears 51, 52, 51B, 52B, 51C, 52C Jig 53,53C Reinforcement member 513, 523, 513E, 523E Water return section 341E, 341F, 351E, 351F Gutter component upper edge locking piece (jig)

Claims

1. a gutter member including a bottom plate and side plates rising from both widthwise ends of the bottom plate and having ears at their upper ends, the gutter member having an opening between the upper ends of the side plates on both sides; and a jig that engages with each of the ear portions on both sides, The jigs on both sides have net engaging portions that engage with net members that cover the openings of the gutter members.

2. The gutter system according to claim 1, further comprising a reinforcing member that connects the jigs on both sides to reinforce the gutter member.

3. The gutter system according to claim 1 , wherein the jig is provided on a support that is attached to a roof and supports the gutter member.

4. The gutter system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the jig has a water return portion that prevents rainwater that splashes back inside the gutter member from splashing out of the opening.

Images