U.S. patent application number 10/653394 was filed with the patent office on 2004-03-04 for gutter protection system.
Invention is credited to Baker, Michael J..
Application Number | 20040040220 10/653394 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26682259 |
Filed Date | 2004-03-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040040220 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baker, Michael J. |
March 4, 2004 |
Gutter protection system
Abstract
A gutter protection system for diverting debris and collecting
water in a trough of a gutter connected to a building structure is
disclosed. The gutter protection system can include a cap that can
be positionally fixed in place at a predetermined angle of
inclination above the gutter by a support member or bracket. The
bracket can be supported by and connected to a hanger that connects
the gutter to the building structure. The cap can be spaced apart
from the building structure, including a roof of the building
structure.
Inventors: |
Baker, Michael J.;
(Richmond, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL N. HAYNES
1341 HUNTERSFIELD CLOSE
KESWICK
VA
22947
US
|
Family ID: |
26682259 |
Appl. No.: |
10/653394 |
Filed: |
August 29, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10653394 |
Aug 29, 2003 |
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10011332 |
Dec 5, 2001 |
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60254160 |
Dec 11, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 13/076 20130101;
E04D 13/0725 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/012 |
International
Class: |
E04D 013/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A gutter protection system for diverting debris from and
collecting water in a gutter having a trough extending along the
length of the gutter and the gutter connected with the roofline of
a building structure by a gutter hanger connected to a front lip of
the gutter and extending transversely across the width of the
trough to the structure, the gutter protection system comprising: a
bracket having a seat adapted to be positioned on the hanger and at
least one arm extending from the seat, a cap connected on the at
least one arm of the bracket and extending along the arm in a first
direction defining the width of the cap and laterally away from the
arm on opposite sides in a second direction defining the length of
the cap; and affixing means for affixing the bracket to the hanger,
wherein the bracket is adapted to positionally fix the cap above
the trough at a predetermined angle of inclination from the gutter
such that the cap extends in its first direction above the
substantial width of the trough and the cap is spaced apart from
the structure.
2. A gutter protection system according to claim 1, wherein said at
least one arm further comprises a plurality of spaced apart
arms.
3. A gutter protection system according to claim 1, wherein said
cap is positionally fixed at a predetermined angle approximating
the angle of the roofline of the structure.
4. A gutter protection system according to claim 1, wherein said at
least one arm extends from said seat such that said bracket is
adapted to be affixed to the hanger with the distal end of the arm
spaced apart from the building structure.
5. A gutter protection system according to claim 1, further
comprising said arm extending from said seat at a predetermined
angle, and wherein said cap is juxtaposed above and coextensively
along the length of the at least one arm such that the cap and the
arm extend from the base at approximately the same angle of
inclination.
6. A gutter protection system according to claim 1, the bracket
further comprises at least two later wings extending downwardly on
opposite sides of said seat, wherein the bracket is adapted to be
positioned on the hanger such that said wings contact opposite
sides of the hanger to secure said bracket in a fixed position with
respect to the bracket.
7. A gutter protection system according to claim 1, where the
bracket further comprises an arcuate body portion between said arms
and said seat and the cap further comprises an arcuate lip portion
at a forward end of its width, the arcuate lip portion
coextensively enveloping the arcuate body portion of the bracket,
the arcuate lip portion being configured to utilize the surface
tension of rainwater to direct the rainwater along the lip into the
trough.
8. A gutter protection system according to claim 1 wherein the
bracket and cap are integrally formed in a single piece.
9. A method for retrofitting a gutter protection system for
diverting debris from and collecting water into an existing gutter
trough, the gutter being connected with the building structure at a
roofline with a hanger connected to the front wall of the gutter
and extending transversally across the width of the trough and
connected through the gutter to the structure, the method
comprising: providing a bracket having a seat and at least one
least one arm extending from the seat, connecting a cap to the arm
of the bracket such that the cap extends along the arm in a first
direction defining the width of the cap and laterally away from the
arm on opposite sides in a second direction defining the length of
the cap, and affixing the bracket on the hanger with affixing means
to positionally fix the cap above the trough at a predetermined
angle of inclination such that the cap extends in its first
direction above the substantial width of the trough and the cap is
spaced apart from the roofline of the structure.
10. A method for retrofitting a gutter system according to claim 9,
wherein the affixing step further comprises positionally fixing the
cap at predetermined angle of inclination approximating the angle
of the roofline.
11. A method for retrofitting a gutter system according to claim 9,
wherein the affixing step replaces the existing hanger with a
bracket-hanger device wherein the hanger and bracket are integrally
formed in a device of a unitary construction.
12. A method for attaching a gutter system including a gutter
protection system for diverting debris from and collecting water to
a structure comprising: providing a gutter having a trough,
extending along the length of the gutter; connecting a hanger to
the gutter and extending transversely across the trough; fastening
the hanger to the gutter and the building structure with fastening
means, providing a bracket having a seat and at least one least one
arm extending from the seat at an angle from the seat, connecting a
cap to an arm of the bracket such that the cap extends along the
arm in a first direction defining the width of the cap and
laterally away from the arm on opposite sides in a second direction
defining the length of the cap, and affixing the bracket on the
hanger with affixing means to positionally fix the cap above the
trough such that the cap extends in its first direction above the
substantial width of the trough and the cap is spaced apart from
the roofline of the structure.
13. A method for attaching a gutter system according to claim 12,
the affixing step further comprising affixing the bracket such that
the cap is positionally fixed at an angle approximating the angle
of the roofline.
14. A gutter protection system for diverting debris from and
collecting water in a gutter having a trough extending along the
length of the gutter and the gutter adapted to be connected with
the roofline of a building structure by the gutter protection
system the gutter protection system comprising: a bracket having a
seat adapted to be positioned on the hanger and at least one arm
extending from the seat, a cap connected on the at least one arm of
the bracket and extending along the arm in a first direction
defining the width of the cap and laterally away from the arm on
opposite sides in a second direction defining the length of the
cap, a gutter hanger adapted to be connected to a front lip of the
gutter and extending transversely across the width of the trough to
the structure, wherein the bracket is adapted to positionally fix
the cap above the trough at a predetermined angle of inclination
such that the cap extends in its first direction above the
substantial width of the trough and the cap is spaced apart from
the roofline of the structure.
15. A gutter protection system 10 according to claim 14 wherein the
bracket and hanger are integrally formed in a single construction
as a bracket hanger device.
16. A building- and gutter-separated, hanger-mounted, gutter
cap.
17. A gutter protection system comprising a gutter cap that, in an
operative configuration, is supported solely by a gutter hanger
that supports a gutter from a building.
18. A gutter cap that, in an operative configuration, is supported
by a gutter hanger that supports a gutter from a building, said
gutter cap, in said operative configuration, separated from the
gutter and the building.
19. The gutter cap of claim 18, wherein said gutter cap is
supported at a predetermined position above the gutter.
20. The gutter cap of claim 18, wherein a top of said gutter cap is
supported at a predetermined angle with respect to a width of the
gutter.
21. The gutter cap of claim 18, wherein a top of said gutter cap is
supported at an adjustable angle with respect to a width of the
gutter.
22. The gutter cap of claim 18, wherein said gutter cap is adapted
to be attached to the gutter hanger by a bracket.
23. The gutter cap of claim 18, wherein said gutter cap is
separated from the gutter by a first predetermined gap.
24. The gutter cap of claim 18, wherein said gutter cap is
separated from the building by a second predetermined gap.
25. The gutter cap of claim 18, wherein said gutter cap is adapted
to substantially cover a trough defined by the gutter.
26. The gutter cap of claim 18, wherein said gutter cap is
constructed of aluminum.
27. The gutter cap of claim 18, wherein said gutter cap is
constructed of copper.
28. The gutter cap of claim 18, wherein said gutter cap is
constructed of galvanized steel.
29. The gutter cap of claim 18, wherein said gutter cap is
constructed of a plastic.
30. A method for installing a gutter cap to a gutter system,
comprising: aligning a gutter cap with a gutter hanger that
attaches a gutter to a building; and attaching the gutter cap to
the gutter hanger, wherein said gutter cap is separated from the
gutter and the building.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the gutter cap is attached to
the gutter hanger via a bracket.
32. The method of claim 30, further comprising attaching the gutter
cap to a bracket.
33. The method of claim 30, further comprising attaching the gutter
cap to a bracket and attaching the bracket to the gutter hanger.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to, and incorporates herein
by reference in its entirety, pending U.S. provisional application
Serial No. 60/254,160, (Attorney Docket No. 08990-001), filed Dec.
11, 2000.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of gutter
systems, and more particularly, to a device, system, and method for
diverting debris from a gutter system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] This invention may be understood from the description that
follows and from the attached drawings in which:
[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a gutter
protection system according to the present invention installed in a
conventional gutter system on a building structure;
[0005] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective of an embodiment of the
gutter protection system including a support member seated above a
hidden hanger and a gutter cap positioned above the bracket;
[0006] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a
gutter protection system mounted to a gutter system;
[0007] FIG. 4 is a top view of double wing support member of an
embodiment of the gutter protection system seated on the hidden
hanger;
[0008] FIG. 5 is a perspective back view of double wing bracket of
an embodiment of the gutter protection system seated on the hidden
hanger;
[0009] FIG. 6 is a perspective back view of an embodiment of the
gutter protection system having the support member and hidden
hanger integrally formed in a unitary construction;
[0010] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of
the gutter protection system positioned in the gutter;
[0011] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
gutter protection system mounted to a gutter system;
[0012] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a gutter
protection system according to the present invention; and
[0013] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective of an embodiment of a
gutter protection system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] In buildings such as dwelling houses and other structures it
is desirable to divert water and debris from the roof away from the
base of the structure using gutter systems. The gutters of such
gutter systems are attached to the roofline of the structure to
divert rainwater into downspouts. A common problem with such gutter
systems is the accumulation of debris such as leaves and twigs,
that block the flow of water in the gutter or the downspout. Such
blockage associated with gutter systems prevents proper evacuation
of water and/or debris and creates problems that necessitate
periodic cleaning and maintenance. Such cleaning and maintenance of
gutters, particularly at the roofline, is a difficult and
inconvenient activity.
[0015] Prior efforts help to provide gutter systems that prevent
blockage and accumulation of debris have resulted in various
devices and mechanisms attached to building structures and roofs to
prevent these materials from falling inside the gutter. For
example, solid deflectors or caps have been placed on top of the
gutter body or connected to the building structure by piercing the
gutter body or structure with fasteners such as nails, often
resulting in damage to the structure and roof, or leakage in the
gutters. Further, deflectors or caps have been positioned above
gutters and connected to the roofing by fasteners, often in a
process requiring raising the roofing, which can provide access to
the roof board for water and result in water damage. Still other
systems have utilized caps or shields that are clipped onto the
front lip or edge of the gutter to be retained in position.
[0016] One known gutter protection system includes a deflector
attached to a gutter support system and to the roofing or shingles.
The gutter body is affixed to the structure by a nail of the gutter
support system. Inside the gutter, the nail is surrounded by a
ferrule (a cylindrical metal tube). The gutter rain deflector of
this known system is positioned above the roofline and extends away
from the house beyond the outer edge of the gutter body.
[0017] Another type of gutter protector is one that uses open mesh
screens or grids which are positioned to rest on the body of the
gutter and which are held in place by various fasteners. For
example, one known system utilizes a mesh screen placed over the
gutter opening and biased in place with a lip of the screen
positioned under the front lip of the gutter. Such systems do not
facilitate run-off of debris, and instead allow small debris, such
as pine needles, to readily enter and clog the screen-holes.
Further, such biased systems do not remain firmly in place and can
be dislodged by wind, rain, or animals.
[0018] Certain gutter systems are attached to structures with a
hanger positioned within the gutter body and attached to the front
lip of the gutter body. Such a hanger is commonly referred to as a
hidden hanger. These hidden hangers are typically elongated members
having a lip at a first end that attaches to the front of the
gutter body. They also have a second end that fastens to the rear
wall of the gutter body and to the building structure via a nail or
other fastener that pierces the wall of the gutter and the
structure.
[0019] Certain gutter protection devices are difficult to connect
to existing gutter structures or do not remain in place when
subjected to wind, rain, or animals. Thus, there exists a need for
a gutter protection system or rain deflector that could be easily
and fixedly attached to existing gutter structures, including those
attached with hidden hangers. Moreover, existing gutter protection
systems are not designed to be used with such hidden hangers, but
instead require connection to the roofing and front edge of the
gutter. Thus, there remains a need for a gutter protection system
that is easily attached to existing gutter systems such as those
utilizing hidden hangers without damaging the gutter, roofing, or
building structure.
[0020] Embodiments of the present invention can provide a gutter
protection system that easily attaches to a gutter hanger and is
supported solely by the gutter hanger while diverting debris away
from and receiving rain into the gutter. Further, embodiments of
the present invention can provide a gutter protection system
structured for use with a rain gutter of established design and
construction without the need of being affixed to or supported by
the shingles or roof. Moreover, embodiments of the invention can
provide a gutter protection system that can be retrofitted to
existing gutter systems without requiring removal of the gutters
from the structure, or alternatively, can be attached to the gutter
prior to or during the attachment of the gutter to the
structure.
[0021] To overcome the needs and shortcomings of certain known
gutter protection systems, embodiments of the present invention can
provide an improved gutter protection system for diverting debris
from and collecting water in a gutter trough that extends along the
length of the gutter. Certain embodiments of the gutter protection
system can include at least one support member or bracket seated on
a hidden hanger that is connected with the gutter and the building
structure to which the gutter is mounted, and a cap or deflector
that is preferably connected with and supported solely by the
support member or bracket. The support member can positionally fix
the cap above the trough of the gutter at a predetermined angle of
inclination. Certain embodiments of the present invention are
preferably adapted for disposition below a terminal edge of a roof
of a building structure without requiring insertion under or
connection with roof coverings or shingles.
[0022] Certain embodiments of the gutter protection system of the
present invention are adapted for use in association with any
conventional type of gutter system. The gutter protection system
can be retrofitted to previously attached gutters or,
alternatively, attached to the gutter during the installation of
the gutters on the structure.
[0023] In one embodiment, the gutter protection system of the
present invention is a gutter protection system for diverting
debris from and collecting water in a gutter trough that extends
along the length of the gutter. The gutter is of the type that is
connected with the roofline of a building structure by a gutter
hanger. The gutter hanger is of the type that is commonly connected
to a front lip of the gutter and extending transversely across the
width of the trough to the structure and referred to as a hidden
hanger.
[0024] In this first embodiment, the gutter protection system of
the present invention comprises a support member having a seat and
at least one arm extending from the seat at an angle from the seat.
The bracket is adapted to be positioned on the gutter hanger. The
gutter protection system further comprises a cap connected to at
least one arm of the bracket. The cap extends along the arm in a
first direction defining the width of the cap and laterally away
from the arm on opposite sides in a second direction defining the
length of the cap. The gutter protection system further comprises
affixing means for affixing the support member to the hanger.
[0025] In this embodiment of a gutter protection system of the
present invention, the support member is adapted to positionally
fix the cap above the trough such that the cap extends in its first
direction above the width of the trough at a predetermined angle
from the seat and the cap is spaced apart from the roofline of the
structure. Preferably, at least one arm further comprises a
plurality of spaced apart arms, and more preferably a pair of
spaced apart arms.
[0026] Additionally, the cap is preferably positionally fixed at a
predetermined angle approximating the angle of the roofline of the
structure. In one embodiment, at least one arm extends from the
seat such that the support member is adapted to be affixed to the
hanger with the distal end of the arm spaced apart from the
building structure. The cap is also juxtaposed above and
coextensively extends along the length of at least one arm such
that the cap and the arm extend from the base at approximately the
same angle of inclination. Still further, the support member, in
this embodiment, further comprises at least two lateral wings
extending downwardly on opposite sides of the seat. The bracket is
adapted to be positioned on the hanger such that the wings contact
opposite sides of the hanger to secure the support member in a
fixed position with respect to the hanger. The bracket further
preferably comprises an arcuate body portion between the arms and
the seat, and the cap further comprises an arcuate lip portion at a
forward end of its width. The arcuate lip portion of the cap
coextensively envelopes the arcuate body portion of the bracket.
The arcuate lip portion is configured to utilize the surface
tension of rainwater to direct the rainwater along the lip into the
trough. In additional embodiments, the support and cap can be
integrally constructed from a single piece or provided with
configurations.
[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described
more fully, with reference to the accompanying figures. This
invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and
should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth
herein. With regard to the figures, the term frontward or front
refers to the elements positioned, or spaced apart distally from
the building structure and roof, and the term rearward refers to
the portion of these items that are proximate to the building
structure.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the
gutter protection system 10 comprises cover member or cap 15 and a
support member in the form of seating bracket 25. Gutter protection
system 10 can be connected to existing gutter system 50 via bracket
25.
[0029] For the purpose of orientation and description, existing
gutter system 50 is shown in FIG. 1 to include gutter body 51 that
is connected generally along and parallel to the roofline of the
structure of building B to which it is attached. Gutter body 51 has
a rear wall 52 that is positioned against building B and front wall
53 with lip 56 set apart opposite to rear wall 64. Gutter body 51
also has a bottom portion 57 between rear wall 64 and front wall
53. Rear wall 64, front wall 53, and bottom portion 57 define
trough 54 as shown in FIG. 2.
[0030] Existing gutter body 51 can be connected to a building B
with a gutter hanger or hidden hanger 58 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3).
Hanger 58 can have an elongated body 59 with an upper side 60, side
flanges 61 and 62, a rearward end portion 63, and a frontward end
64 opposite the rearward end portion 63. Hanger 58 can be formed of
aluminum, but can be provided in alternative embodiments and other
materials including galvanized steel, or other weather resistant
materials.
[0031] As shown on FIG. 2, hidden hanger 58 can be positioned
inside gutter trough 54. Rearward end portion 63 can be connected
to building structure B by an attachment means such as a screw or
fastener 68. Frontward end 64 of hidden hanger 58 can have a curved
portion 69 as shown in FIG. 3 that can extend under lip portion 56
of gutter body 51. Rearward end portion 63 can be curvingly curled
upwardly and rearwardly to form butt portion 70 that can be
positioned against the rear wall for connection by the screw or
fastener 68. Side flanges 61 and 62 of hidden hanger 58 can form a
platform onto which gutter protection system 10 can be
supported.
[0032] It is understood that the gutter protection system of the
present invention may be utilized, in alternative embodiments, with
gutter systems having bodies and attachment devices having varying
configurations.
[0033] Thus, the existing gutter system having been described, the
gutter protection system 10 will be more fully described. In the
embodiment described in FIGS. 1-4, the gutter protection system 10
includes a cover member or cap 15 and a support member or seating
bracket 25. The seating bracket 25 is adapted to be connected to
the hidden hanger 58.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the seating bracket 25 has a
first end 32 including a seat or base portion 28 that is adapted to
be position on the hanger 58 by a fastener shown as screw 29. In
alternate embodiments, the mechanical fasteners, or chemical
fasteners including adhesives or even electromagnetic fasteners in
combination with mechanical or chemical fasteners can be provided.
The seating bracket 25 further has a second end 33 including a pair
of arms 30 and 31 extending from the seat 28 at a predetermined
angle and as shown in FIG. 2. The arms 30 and 31 are parallel to
and spaced apart from each other. Each arm 30 and 31 is configured
to be fastened to the underside 16 of the cover member 15 to
support the cover member 15 above the trough 54.
[0035] The second end 33 is attached to gutter hanger 58 via
fastening means depicted as a screw or fastener 24. It is
understood that other connectors and fasteners of various designs
and configurations including mechanical connectors, adhesives and
other chemical fasteners and even magnetic fasteners can be
utilized. The seating bracket 25 also includes an arcuate body
portion 26 that extends between the two arms 30 and 31 and the seat
portion 28. The support member 25 is constructed of aluminum, but
can be provided in alternative embodiments of other suitable
weather-resistant materials having desired surface characteristics
to facilitate flow of water or debris including polymers,
galvanized steel, copper, or other weather resistant material.
[0036] The first end 32 of the seating bracket 25 can be provided
in alternative embodiments with a single or further plurality of
arms. The arms may be provided in various configurations and
alignments to attach to the cover member. As shown on FIG. 5, the
bracket wings 34 and 35 are configured to such that when the
seating bracket 25 is positioned on the hanger 58, the bracket
wings 34 and 35 contact opposite side flanges 61 and 62 of the
hanger 58 to secure the seating bracket 25 in a fixed position with
respect to the hanger 58 (see FIG. 1).
[0037] The present invention comprises a cover member 15 fastened
to the seating bracket 25 with self tapping screws or screws 24
that extend through threaded holes 23 in the cover member 15 that
are positioned in the cover member 15 such that when the cover
member 15 is attached to the bracket 25, the hole 23 of the cover
member 15 aligns with the corresponding threaded hole 22 in the
seating bracket 25 providing a threaded opening for screw 24. In
alternative embodiments, the cover member 15 can be attached to the
bracket 25 utilizing other mechanical fasteners such as nuts and
bolts, snap or press-fit connectors of various types including by
way of example, clips, chemical fasteners or adhesives or magnetic
connectors in combination with mechanical or chemical
connectors.
[0038] The cover member 15 is constructed of aluminum, but can be
provided in alternative embodiments of other suitable
weather-resistant materials having desired surface characteristics
to facilitate flow of water or debris including polymers,
galvanized steel or copper. The cover member 15 is connected to the
arms 30 and 31 of the seating bracket 25 in a manner such that the
cover member 15 extends along each of the arms 30 and 31 in a first
direction to a pair of edges 20 and 21 self tapping screw defining
the width of the cover member 15 and laterally away from the arm on
opposite sides in a second direction to edges 18 and 19 defining
the length of the cover member 15. The cover member can be provided
in sections of any desired length. The cover member 15 is
juxtaposed above and coextensively along the length of the arms 30
and 31 such that the cover member 15 and the arms 30 and 31 extend
from the seat 28 at approximately the same angle of inclination as
shown in FIG. 3.
[0039] The cover member 15 is thus secured without fastening or
connecting to the gutter body 51 or the building B. The seat 28 is
adapted to connect the seating bracket 25 to the gutter hanger 58,
thereby seating the bracket 25 and cover member 15 above the gutter
trough 54. The cap 15 has an arcuate lip portion 14 that is
configured to utilize the surface tension of rainwater to direct
the rainwater into the trough 54. The edge 18 and edge 19 of the
length of the cover member 15 are positioned to extend to end 65
and end 66 of the length of the gutter body member. The hidden
hanger 58 of the seating bracket 25 can be provided in alternative
embodiments with a single or plurality of arms. FIG. 3 depicts the
cover 15 being positioned adjacent and below the lower edge of the
roof R. While depicted in FIG. 3 as being attached to a building B
with a roof having predetermined pitch, the gutter protection
system 10 can be is affixed to buildings with any type of building
roof including tin, slate, cedar roof, concrete or other tiles or
asphalt or other singles because the gutter protection system does
not require attachment to the roofing material. Further, as the
cover member 15 can be provided fixedly positioned at various
desired predetermined angles of inclination, the gutter protection
system 10 can be provided to be utilized with building having roofs
regardless of the roof pitch. The cover member 15 preferably has a
width that is preferably less than the width of the trough 54 such
that the cover member 15 is thereby supported in covering relation
over the open top of the gutter body 51 with lip portion 14
extending along the front wall 53 of the gutter body 51. In this
disposition, the cover member 15 is oriented at a slight downward
incline from its rearward region 40 to its forward region 42. The
rearward region 42 of the cover member 15 is not in contact with
the building. The cover member 15 directs, with the assistance of
surface tension, water into the gutter while the leaves, debris,
and the like are deflected and/or jettisoned over the edge. The
cover member 15 is at an angle of inclination that is approximate
the roof angle of inclination. However, the cover member can be
mounted at any of a variety of predetermined and/or adjustable
angles. The present invention thus provides a gutter protection
system that diverts debris from entry to the trough, but which
still diverts water into the trough. The gutter protection system
can be easily connected to existing gutter installations.
[0040] The gutter protection system 10 of this embodiment of the
present invention can be attached to an existing gutter system 50
that has been previously attached to a building structure B. The
fully assembled gutter protection system 10 is shown attached to
the building B and gutter system 50 in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows the
steps of attaching the gutter protection system 10 to the gutter
system 50 including the gutter body 51 and hangers 58 previously
connected to a building structure. The support member 25 is
positioned on the hanger 58 as described above and connected to
hanger 58 as described previously and connected to the hanger.58 by
screw 29. A support member 25 is connected to each hanger 58,
although the gutter protection system 10 can be utilized without
connecting a bracket 25 to every hanger 58 if desired.
[0041] The cover member 15 is also positioned on the bracket 25 as
desired and described herein and connected to the support member 25
by screw 24. Thus, the gutter protection system 10 can be connected
to an existing gutter without necessitating the removal of the
gutter from the structure. Alternatively, the gutter protection
system of the present invention can be installed during the
installation of the gutter system. In this way, the support member
25 can be attached to the hidden hanger 58 either prior to
attaching the hanger 58 to the gutter body 51 and building or after
such connection of the hanger is made. This flexibility increases
the ease of connection of the gutter protection system whether
connecting to a pre-existing gutter system or during the
installation of the gutter system on the structure.
[0042] In a second embodiment of the gutter protection system 110
of the present invention, the seating brackets 25 and the hidden
hanger 58 of the previous embodiment are provided in an integral
construction as a single hanger support device 70. The support
hanger device 70 is adapted and configured to connect to the gutter
system 50. The bracket-hanger device 70 has an elongated seat 71
with an upper side 72, side flanges 74 and 76. The seat 71 extends
from a rearward end portion 78, to a frontward end portion 80. The
hanger-support 70 also includes an arcuate body 73 located the
frontward end 80 that extends from the seat 71 at a predetermined
angle. The hanger support 70 further includes a pair of arms 82 and
84 extending from the arcuate body 73 at a predetermined angle as
shown on FIG. 6. The arms 82 and 84 are parallel and spaced apart
from each other. The arms 82 or 84 are configured to extend
coextensively with the underside 16 of the cover member 15 to
support said cover member 15 above trough 54. One of the arms 82
includes a hole 86 for receiving a screw or other fastener (not
shown) to connect he cover member 15 to the arm 82. The rearward
end portion 78 of the bracket-hanger device has a lip portion 87.
This second embodiment of the invention comprises a cover member 15
substantially of the same construction as that described with
respect to the embodiment in FIGS. 1-5. The cover member 15 is
connected to the arms 82 and 84 of the bracket-hanger device 70 in
a like manner to that described with respect to the embodiment of
the gutter protection system 10 described in FIGS. 1-5 such that
the cover member 15 extends along each of the arms 82 and 84 in a
first direction to a pair of edges 65 and 66 defining the width of
the cover member and laterally away from the arm on opposite sides
in a second direction to edges 18 and 19 defining the length of the
cover member. The cover member 15 is juxtaposed above and
coextensively along the length of the arms 82 and 84 such as the
cover member 15 and the arms extend from the lip portion 86 at
approximately the same angle of inclination. The lip portion 87 of
the bracket-hanger device 68 is adapted to fit at the top of the
rear wall 64 of the gutter body 51. A screw (not shown) extending
through hole 88 maintains the rearward end portion 78 of
bracket-hanger device 68 securely against the structure building B.
The bracket hanger device 70 is formed of the same materials as
that described with reference to the first embodiment.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 8, the bracket hanger device 70 is
positioned inside the standard gutter trough 54. The rearward
portion 78 is connected to the building structure B by an
attachment means such as a screw or fastener 68. The frontward end
80 of the bracket hanger device is curved to form a butt portion 70
that is positioned against the rear wall for connection by the
screw or fastener 68.
[0044] As depicted in FIG. 3 and FIG. 8, this gutter protection
system has a sleek and profile unlike the large and bulky product
available today and its design is attractive.
[0045] The bracket-hanger 70 device of the gutter protection system
110 can be installed to a pre-existing gutter system or during the
installation of the gutter system on the structure as seen on FIG.
7. FIG. 8 depicts a cross sectional view of the bracket hanger
device 70 sealed in the trough 54 of the gutter body 51.
[0046] The steps of installing the gutter protection system 110 of
this second embodiment are similar to the steps of that described
with the first embodiment except that the bracket-device 70, being
integrally formed as a single piece, removes the step of attaching
the bracket to the hanger. In order to attach the gutter protection
system 110 to an existing gutter system, individual hangers 58
would need to be removed and replaced with the bracket-hanger
device 70. The cover member 15 can then be placed on the
bracket-hanger device 70 as previously described.
[0047] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a gutter
protection system 1000, which is shown attached to a gutter 1010,
which is attached to a face board or fascia 1020 of a building
1030. Rain that falls on building 1030 encounters roofing 1040,
which directs that rain to a top surface of a cap 1050 of gutter
protection system 1000, which then directs the rain into gutter
1010. Rain that enters gutter 1010 is then directed to a downspout
(not shown).
[0048] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of
a gutter protection system 2000. A gutter 2010 can be supported by
a hanger 2020 that is secured to a building (not shown) by a screw
or nail (not shown) that protrudes through securement hole 2030.
Hangar 2020 can penetrate a back wall 2040 of gutter 2010, and can
support a front lip 2050 of gutter 2010. Because the existence
and/or location of hangar 2020 can be undetectable from a viewer
standing below, hangar 2020 can be referred to as a "hidden
hangar".
[0049] Hangar 2020 can define a flat surface 2060 which can support
gutter protection system 2000, and to which gutter protection
system 2000 can be attached, secured, and/or mounted. Gutter
protection system 2000 can include a support bracket 2070 and a
cover, deflector, and/or cap 2080. Support bracket 2070 can be
configured to mount on hangar 2020. Support bracket 2070 can
support cap 2080 at a predetermined and/or adjustable angle with
respect to a length of hangar 2020, to back wall 2040, and/or to
roofing of the building (not shown).
[0050] Support bracket 2070 can be attached, mounted, connected,
and/or secured to hangar 2020 by any known attachment means 2072,
including a screw, a rivet, a nail, an adhesive, a hook and loop
fastener, a buckle, a latch, a force fit, and/or a snap fit.
Moreover, support bracket 2070 can be integral to hangar 2020.
Support bracket 2070 can be constructed of any material known for
its use for gutters, including aluminum, galvanized steel, copper,
and/or plastic. Support bracket 2070 can be configured to avoid
contact with the fascia, roofing components, and/or structure of
the building itself (not shown), thereby avoiding unnecessary
installation interferences and/or long-term wear caused by such
contact.
[0051] Cap 2080 can be attached, mounted, connected, and/or secured
to support bracket 2070 by any known attachment means 2082,
including a screw, a rivet, a nail, an adhesive, a hook and loop
fastener, a buckle, a latch, a force fit, and/or a snap fit. For
example, cap 2080 can define a back lip (not shown) that can snap
onto a back edge 2076 of support bracket 2070 once a front portion
2084 of cap 2080 has surroundably engaged an arcuate front portion
2074 of support bracket 2070. Moreover, cap 2080 can be integral to
support bracket 2070.
[0052] Cap 2080 can be constructed of any material known for its
use for gutters, including aluminum, galvanized steel, copper,
and/or plastic. Also, cap 2080 can be dimensioned and/or configured
to avoid contact with the fascia, roofing components, and/or
structure of the building itself (not shown), thereby avoiding
unnecessary installation interferences and/or long-term wear caused
by such contact. Thus, once installed, one or more separations,
gaps, and/or spaces can be defined between cap 2080 and the fascia,
roofing components, and/or structure of the building.
[0053] Embodiments of the gutter protection system of the present
invention can provide numerous advantages. For example, in certain
of its various embodiments, can be attached to gutter systems
either prior to, during, or after installation of those gutter
systems. In certain embodiments, this attachment can occur with
substantial ease. Moreover, the support member and cover of certain
embodiments can be fashioned to accommodate structures and roofs of
all types as they do not require connection to the structure or
roofing, thereby eliminating potential damage to the structure or
roofing. Also, the cover can be positioned at a predetermined
and/or adjustable angle to provide a desired pitch of the cover
related to the pitch of the roof. Moreover, embodiments of the
gutter protection system of the present invention can provide a
cost effective product with an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Further, embodiments of the present invention can allow water to
enter a gutter system, while reducing, resisting, and/or preventing
the entry of debris into the gutter system.
[0054] In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed
certain embodiments of the invention and although specific terms
are employed, those terms are used in a generic and descriptive
sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the
invention being set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *