U.S. patent application number 10/229029 was filed with the patent office on 2004-03-04 for plastic gutter system and components therefor.
Invention is credited to Bacik, Brian, Mancebo, Elias Frankely.
Application Number | 20040040219 10/229029 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32683231 |
Filed Date | 2004-03-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040040219 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bacik, Brian ; et
al. |
March 4, 2004 |
Plastic gutter system and components therefor
Abstract
The invention is directed to a gutter system for channelling
rainwater from a building The gutter system includes gutter
sections that are interconnected with joint members having gaskets
incorporated thereon. Each gutter section has a substantially
hollow space defined between inner and outer walls that are spanned
by a plurality of ribs.
Inventors: |
Bacik, Brian; (Midhurst,
CA) ; Mancebo, Elias Frankely; (Brampton,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Torys LLP
Suite 3000
79 Wellington St. West
Toronto
ON
M5K 1N2
CA
|
Family ID: |
32683231 |
Appl. No.: |
10/229029 |
Filed: |
August 28, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/11 ;
52/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 13/068 20130101;
E04D 13/076 20130101; E04D 13/0645 20130101; E04D 13/08 20130101;
E04D 13/0725 20130101; E04D 13/0685 20130101; E04D 13/0641
20130101; E04D 2013/084 20130101; E04D 2013/0806 20130101; E04D
2013/0846 20130101; E04D 13/064 20130101; E04D 13/0643
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/011 ;
052/016 |
International
Class: |
E04D 013/00 |
Claims
1. A gutter section for use in a rain gutter system, the gutter
section comprising an inner wall defining a channel for receiving
and channelling rain water, and an outer wall spaced from said
inner wall to define a substantially hollow area between the inner
wall and the outer wall.
2. A gutter section according to claim 1 wherein said inner wall
and said outer wall are spanned by a plurality of ribs.
3. A gutter section according to claim 2 wherein said gutter
section is elongate and said ribs extend along the length of said
gutter section.
4. A gutter section for use in a rain gutter system comprising: an
inner wall defining a channel for receiving and channelling rain
water; an outer wall defining a desired aesthetic outer shape for
said gutter section; and a heat sink between said inner wall and
said outer wall to deter substantial expansion and contraction of
said gutter under ranging thermal conditions.
5. A gutter section according to claim 4 wherein the gutter section
is integrally formed.
6. A gutter section according to claim 4 wherein the gutter section
is formed by an extrusion process.
7. A gutter section according to claim 4 wherein the gutter section
has a plurality of ribs.
8. A gutter section according to claim 4 wherein the gutter section
is formed of a plastic material.
9. A gutter section according to claim 4 wherein the gutter section
has at least one flange for engaging a hanger for supporting said
gutter section against a building.
10. A gutter section according to claim 4 wherein the inner wall
has radiused corners.
11. A gutter system comprising: (a) a plurality of gutter sections
each defining a channel for receiving and channelling rain water;
and (b) a plurality of joint members for joining said gutter
sections, each including an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve
defining a passageway corresponding in shape to a substantial
portion of the cross-sectional shape of said gutter sections for
slidably receiving at least one of said gutter sections.
12. A gutter system as claimed in claim 11 further comprising a
gasket disposed in said passageway for forming a substantially
water tight seal between said joint member and said gutter
section.
13. A gutter system as claimed in claim 11 wherein at least are of
said plurality of gutter sections and said plurality of joint
members is formed of plastic.
14. A joint assembly for adjoining one or more gutter sections of a
gutter system, the joint assembly comprising: (a) a joint member
having an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve defining a passageway
corresponding in shape to a substantial portion of the
cross-sectional shape of a gutter section for slidably receiving
said gutter section; and (b) a gasket assembly having a gasket and
an attachment member for supporting said gasket and attaching said
gasket assembly to said joint member.
15. A joint assembly as claimed in claim 14 wherein said joint
member is integrally formed.
16. A joint assembly as claimed in claim 14 wherein said gasket
assembly is releasably attached to said joint member.
17. A joint assembly as claimed in claim 14 wherein said gasket is
formed of a material selected from the group of rubber of EPDM.
18. A clip for attaching a downspout to a wall, said clip
comprising first and second clip members, at least one of said clip
members having a means for attaching said clip to said wall, each
of said clip members having a releasable interlocking device for
releasably interlocking said clip members together around the
downspout.
19. A drainpipe connector system for movably connecting a downspout
to a drainpipe, the drainpipe connector system comprising: a
downspout connector including a first end and a second end, said
first end being shaped for slidably engaging a downspout; a hinge
member having a first portion that is hingeably connected to said
second end of said downspout connector, and a second portion that
is shaped for slidably engaging a drainpipe, the hinge member being
rotatable relative to the downspout connector between a raised
position and a lowered position; and a locking tab disposed on one
or both of said downspout connector and said hinge member for
releasably locking said hinge member in said raised position.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to gutter systems that may be
assembled and secured to a building for catching and channelling
rainwater.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Rainwater gutter systems for buildings are traditionally
made from metal or plastic. Gutter systems made of plastic offer
significant benefits over those made of metal in terms of
durability and appearance. There are a number of problems
associated with plastic gutter systems however.
[0003] One problem with plastic gutter systems is that the plastic
tends to expand, contract or otherwise deform in temperature
extremes. A typical plastic gutter system that spans up to 40 ft.
may experience expansion or contraction of 1" or more over diverse
climatic conditions. In addition, plastic gutter systems can become
permanently deformed when exposed to extreme temperature
conditions.
[0004] Conventional plastic gutter systems use various structures
of joints and seals to attempt to provide a watertight seal while
permitting the gutter section to slide within the joint as it
undergoes expansion and contraction. Examples of such systems are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,257,716, 4,297,053, 4,313,693,
4,954,015, 5,035,092, 5,038,528 and 5,687,510. A problem with these
systems is that the gutter sections are still relatively pliable
and are not adequately secured in the joints to deter deformation.
Thus, over a period of time, the gutter sections tend to deform and
shift from the joints to a sufficient extent that the gutter system
leaks.
[0005] The problem is compounded by consumer preference for a "K
style" gutter that, by virtue of its shape, is not effectively
sealed using conventional joint and gasket systems. The
conventional "K-style" gutter also tends to allow debris to collect
within the gutter which reduces the effectiveness of the gutter
system.
[0006] Another problem with conventional gutter systems is the
manner in which downspouts are mounted to walls. Generally, an
adjustable metal strap is wrapped around the downspout and mounted
to the wall surface with screws on either side of the
downspout.
[0007] Examples of such mounting systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 4,631,342 and 5,794,348. A problem with these systems is that
the mounting fasteners are exposed and unsightly and the mounting
attachments do not allow for simple installation and temporary
disassembly of the downspout installation.
[0008] Another problem with conventional gutter systems is the
manner in which the drainpipe is connected to the downspout.
Conventional gutter systems employ a downspout to deliver water
from the roof level gutters to ground level. The downspout is
typically connected to a drainpipe that extends along the ground
away from the building for delivering water to a desired location
for drainage. A problem with conventional connectors is that they
do not allow sufficient flexibility in the movement of the
drainpipe. This causes inconvenience where the positioning of the
drainpipe interferes with household chores such as lawn mowing and
raking of leaves.
[0009] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved gutter system,
and components thereto, that overcome one or more of the above
identified problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention there is
provided a gutter section for use in a rain gutter system, the
gutter section comprising an inner wall defining a channel for
receiving and channelling rain water, and an outer wall spaced from
said inner wall to define a substantially hollow area between the
inner wall and the outer wall.
[0011] According to another aspect of the claimed invention there
is provided a gutter section for use in a rain gutter system
comprising:
[0012] an inner wall defining a channel for receiving and
channelling rain water;
[0013] an outer wall defining a desired aesthetic outer shape for
said gutter section; and
[0014] a heat sink between said inner wall and said outer wall to
deter substantial expansion and contraction of said gutter under
ranging thermal conditions.
[0015] According to another aspect of the claimed invention, there
is provided a gutter system comprising:
[0016] (a) a plurality of gutter sections defining a channel for
receiving and channelling rain water; and
[0017] (b) a plurality of joint members for joining said gutter
sections, each including in outer sleeve and an inner sleeve
defining a passageway corresponding in shape to a substantial
portion of the cross-sectional shape of said gutter sections for
slidably receiving at least one of said gutter sections.
[0018] According to another aspect of the claimed invention, there
is provided a joint member for adjoining one or more gutter
sections of a gutter system, the joint member comprising:
[0019] (a) an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve received defining a
passageway corresponding in shape to a substantial portion of the
cross-sectional shape of a gutter section for slidably receiving
said gutter section; and
[0020] (b) a gasket assembly having a gasket and an attachment
member for supporting said gasket and attaching said gasket
assembly to said joint member.
[0021] According to another aspect of the claimed invention, there
is provided a clip for attaching a downspout to a wall, said clip
comprising first and second clip members, at least one of said clip
members having a means for attaching said clip to said wall, each
of said clip members having a releasable interlocking device for
releasably interlocking said clip members together around the
downspout.
[0022] According to another aspect of the claimed invention, there
is provided a drainpipe connector system for connecting a downspout
to a drainpipe, the drainpipe connector system comprising:
[0023] a downspout connector including a first end and a second
end, said first end being shaped for slidably engaging a downspout;
and
[0024] a hinge member having a first portion that is hingeably
connected to said second end of said downspout connector and a
second portion that is shaped for slidably engaging a drainpipe,
the hinge member being rotatable relative to the downspout
connector between a raised position and a lowered position; and
[0025] a locking tab disposed on one or both of said downspout
connector and said hinge member for releasably locking said hinge
member in said raised position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a gutter system in
accordance with the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a gutter section for the
gutter system of FIG. 1 as viewed along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view, with a portion cut
away, of a joint member and gasket assembly for the gutter system
of FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first corner joint member
for the gutter system of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second corner joint member
for the gutter system of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a downspout joint member for
the gutter system of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a hanger for the gutter
system of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a downspout clip
for the gutter system of FIG. 1; and
[0034] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a downspout connector for a
drainpipe hinge assembly for the gutter system of FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a hinge member mounted to
the downspout connector for the drainpipe hinge assembly of FIG. 9;
and
[0036] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the hinge member of FIG.
10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0037] A gutter system 20 in accordance with the present invention
is shown in FIG. 1. The gutter system 20 comprises a plurality of
gutter sections 30 that are each supported and secured to a
building (not shown) by hangers 34. The gutter sections 30 are
adjoined using joint members 36. The gutter system 20 also includes
downspout sections 42 that are secured to the building with
downspout clips 44. The downspout sections 42 are adjoined using
downspout joint members 45 and elbows 47. A lockable hinge assembly
140 pivotably connecting a drainpipe 135 to a downspout section 42
is also provided.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 2, gutter section 30 is shown in cross
section. Gutter section 30 has a front side 38, a base 40 and a
rear side 46. The gutter section 30 has a continuous inner wall 48
that defines a channel 49 for channelling rainwater along the
gutter section 30. The gutter section 30 also has an outer wall 50
that is spaced from the inner wall 48 by a plurality of
longitudinally extending ribs 52 to form a substantially hollow
space 53 between the inner and outer walls 48, 50. The ribs 52
preferably extend at right angles to the walls 48, 50 in order to
optimize the rigidity of the overall structure. The thickness of
the ribs 52 is preferably less than the thickness of the walls 48,
50 to optimise the construction of gutter section 30 using an
extrusion process.
[0039] The hollow space 53 defined between walls 48, 50 of gutter
section 30 acts as a heat sink to reduce the sensitivity of the
gutter section 30 to extreme temperatures. The ribs 52 add strength
to the overall structure and enhance the ability of the gutter
system to withstand permanent deformation when subjected to heavy
snow loads and ice build-up. Also the strength and rigidity
provided by the ribs 52 is helpful for home renovation, maintenance
and repair applications where it is desired that the gutter section
30 support the weight of a ladder.
[0040] It is contemplated that the gutter section 30 could be
formed without ribs 52 and that structural support and heat sink
functionality can be accomplished by disposing an alternate
material in the hollow space 53 such as a cellular foam material.
It is also contemplated that hollow space 53 could be left unfilled
although the benefits of rigidity will be lessened due to the
absence of ribs 52 or other suitable structural support.
[0041] The channel 49 defined by inner wall 48 of gutter section 30
has radiused inner corners 54, 56 which reduce the likelihood of
debris becoming caught in channel 49. The outer wall 50 preferably
defines an aesthetically pleasing shape as desired for the gutter
system 20. The outer wall 50 of the embodiment depicted in the
figures has a recessed edge 58 and a conventional "k-style"
profile.
[0042] Gutter section 30 includes a first hanger attachment member
62 and a second hanger attachment member 64 which engage
corresponding attachment members 108 and 110 on hanger 34 as shown
in FIG. 8 and described in more detail below.
[0043] The gutter sections 30 are preferably constructed of a
plastic material. Preferably, the gutter sections are made of vinyl
using an extrusion process. The twin wall ribbed structure of
gutter sections 30 reduces the cost of production relative to
conventional gutter sections designed with a solid profile because
less raw material is required to manufacture gutter sections 30
without sacrificing rigidity.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 3-6, joint members for joining gutter
sections 30 are shown generally at 36. A joint member for joining
straight sections of gutter sections 30 is shown at 36a in FIG. 3.
Joint member 36 has an inner sleeve portion 63 and an outer sleeve
portion 65. Inner sleeve portion 63 is positioned to slidably fit
inside and adjacent to a substantial portion of the inner wall 48
of the gutter section 30. The outer sleeve portion 65 is positioned
to slidably fit outside and adjacent to a substantial portion of
the outer wall 50 of the gutter section 30. The inner sleeve
portion 63 and the outer sleeve portion 65 therefore define a
passageway 66 between them for receiving and enveloping a
substantial portion of an end of the gutter section 30. Preferably,
the passageway 66 has tapered edges 67 to guide the end of the
gutter section 30 in place. An abutment 68 is disposed in the
passageway 66 against which the end of the gutter section 30
abuts.
[0045] The joint members 36 have passageways 66 at both ends for
receiving gutter sections 30. In this manner joint members 36
connect the gutter sections 30 end to end. The joint member 36
effectively envelopes the end of gutter section 30 to deter
deformation of the gasket section 30.
[0046] Joint member 36 also includes support rings 72 that are
disposed along inner sleeve portion 63 at both ends of the joint
member 36. The support rings have first and second opposing walls
73 and 75 that define a groove 77 between them. Attachment
apertures 79 are defined in second wall 75 of support ring 72 for
receiving attachment tabs 98 of a gasket assembly 82 as detailed
below. First wall 73 of support ring 72 also defines a first gasket
locking recess 81 as described below.
[0047] Gasket assembly 82 has a gasket 84 and an attachment ring
86. The gasket 84 has a double headed locking tab 88 and a double
neck 90. The attachment ring 86 has a tongue 94, a collar 96 and
attachment tabs 98. A second gasket locking recess 99 is defined in
collar 96. Each of the tabs 98 of attachment ring 86 are positioned
to lockably engage attachment apertures 79 on the support ring 72.
Gasket 84 is preferably made of rubber. EPDM or other sealing
materials that are sufficiently durable for exterior applications.
Neck 90 of gasket 84 is removably secured around the tongue 94 of
attachment ring 86 and is secured in place between collar 96 and
first wall 73 of gasket ring 72 when the attachment ring 86 is
lockably engaged within groove 77 of support ring 72. Locking tab
88 engages locking recesses 81 and 99 when the gasket 84 is secured
to support ring 72 using attachment ring 86.
[0048] This gasket assembly 82 ensures that the joint between
gutter sections 30 and joint member 36 is substantially sealed
against water leakage. The gasket assembly 82 also ensures that the
gasket 84 stays in place when the gutter system 20 is installed and
on an ongoing basis when it is subjected to repeated movement of
the gutter sections 30 caused by ongoing periods of thermodynamic
expansion and contraction of the gutter system 20.
[0049] Further embodiments of joint members are shown in FIGS. 4-6.
FIG. 4 shows a joint member 36b that is adapted to join two corner
gutter sections. The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 has an outside
corner 92 that defines a 90.degree. angle. FIG. 5 shows an
alternate embodiment 36c that has an outside corner 93 that defines
a 135.degree. angle. FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment 36d of a
joint member that is adapted to join a gutter section that has a
downspout. The joint member 36d has a front flange 95, a rear
flange 97 and a tapered drainage section 100 leading to a drop
outlet 101. The joint member 36d has apertures 102 for receiving
fasteners (not shown) for fastening joint member 36 directly to a
building. Flanges 95 and 99 are configured to slidably engage
gutter sections 30 without the need for a gasket assembly 82 (since
drainage section 100 will serve to catch rain water from the end of
gutter sections 30).
[0050] FIG. 1 also shows a further embodiment of joint member 36 in
the form of an end cap 36e. End cap joint member 36e includes
passageway 66 for receiving the end of a gutter section 30 as
described for joint member 36a above. End cap joint member 36e also
includes a gasket assembly 82 for securely sealing the end of the
gutter section 30.
[0051] Joint members 36 are preferably constructed from a plastic
material using an injection moulding process. While it is
contemplated that plastic joint members 36 will be used to support
plastic gutter sections 30 it is possible that the joint members 36
could be used to support gutter sections 30 could be constructed of
metal.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 7, a perspective view of a hanger 34 is
shown. The hanger 34 has a rear wall 104 which can be fastened to
the building with nails or screws disposed through aperture 105.
The hanger has a base 106 and attachment members 108, 110 for
engaging first and second hanger attachment members 62, 64 of the
gutter section 30. The hanger also has upper flanges 107 and 109
for engaging a leaf screen 111 as shown in FIG. 1.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 8, a downspout clip 44 is shown. The
downspout clip 44 has a first clip member 112 and a second clip
member 114. The first and second clip members each have male
locking members 116 and female locking members 118. The male
locking members 116 each have an engaging member 120 having teeth
122. The female locking members 118 have a receiving mechanism 124
having angular receivers 128 corresponding to the teeth 122 of the
engaging member 120 of male locking member 116. The engaging member
120 is received in the receiving mechanism 124 of female locking
member 118 to form an interlock. The male and female locking
members 116, 118 are preferably of reverse orientation relative to
each other. However, other embodiments are also possible where the
orientation of the locking members is the same. For example, the
clips may be connected at one side by a hinge thus removing the
necessity for the locking members to be of reverse orientation.
[0054] Each of the clip members 112, 114 has an inner surface 126
and an outer surface 129. A sealed aperture 132 is formed on the
inner surface 126 of each of the clip members 112, 114. The
aperture may be broken for receiving a screw or nail in order to
facilitate the mounting of one of the clip members 112, 114 to the
side of the building.
[0055] Thus, one of the clip members 112, 114 is mounted to a wall
or other surface of a building with a screw or nail (not shown)
through the aperture 132. The down spout section 42 is placed in
the clip member 112, 114 and other the clip member 112. 114 is
preferably reversed in orientation and slid in place over the
mounted clip member 112, 114. As the inner surface 126 of the
second clip member 114 is pushed tight against the downspout 42,
the teeth 122 on the clip members 112, 114 interact to lock the
clip members 112, 114 together. The adjustable locking member 116,
118 work over a range of distance that can effectively compensate
for both flat wall surfaces and wall sections with overlapping
longitudinal sections.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 9-11, a lockable drainpipe hinge assembly
140 is shown. The hinge assembly has a downspout connector 141 for
connecting to a downspout 42 and a hinge member 142 for slidably
engaging a drainpipe 135 in a friction fit.
[0057] Pins 144 are disposed inwardly on an interior surface 146 of
the hinge member 142. Preferably there are two pins 144. One or
more pins are possible in other embodiments. In other embodiments
the interior surface 146 may define recesses for receiving pins
that are disposed on the downspout connector 141.
[0058] The hinge member 142 has an opening 150 defined between pins
144 to provide sufficient clearance for the hinge member 142 to
pivot about the pins 144 when the pins 144 are connected to
openings 152 in the downspout connector 141 as discussed below A
peripheral edge 154 of hinge member 142 is engaged by tab 156 on
downspout connector 141 as detailed below to lock the hinge member
142 in place.
[0059] Downspout connector 141 has downspout connecting portion 158
for slidably engaging a downspout section 42 and a hinge connector
portion 160 that connects to hinge member 142. The downspout
connector 141 defines openings or recesses 152 for receiving pins
144. A resilient tab 156 is located on the surface of the downspout
connector 141 for releasably engaging the peripheral edge 154 of
the hinge member 142.
[0060] In operation, hinge member 142 is attached to the hinge
connector portion 160 or downspout connector 141 such that pins 144
are received in the openings 152. Pins 144 and openings 152 are
proportioned such that the pins 144 are rotatable in the openings
152. The hinge member 142 is pivotable between a lower position
where the drain pipe is substantially lowered to the ground and a
raised position where the drain pipe is substantially raised from
the ground. The tab 156 releasably engages the peripheral edge 154
to retain the hinge member 142 in the raised position.
[0061] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that although
specific embodiments have been described, the invention is not to
be limited to the specific embodiments described herein.
* * * * *