U.S. patent application number 11/042869 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-11 for gutter deflector shield.
This patent application is currently assigned to Gutter Defender, Inc.. Invention is credited to Christy, Jeffrey A., Riley, Philip D..
Application Number | 20050172565 11/042869 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34829772 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050172565 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Riley, Philip D. ; et
al. |
August 11, 2005 |
Gutter deflector shield
Abstract
A deflector shield apparatus for rain gutters to prevent leaf
and similar debris from entering the trough portion of the gutter.
The deflector shield apparatus includes means for mounting the
deflector to the gutter and associated building structure to
provide improved function of the gutter system and easy
installation. The deflector shield comprises a rigid sheet material
having a rear portion adapted to be mounted under the outermost row
of roof shingles, a central portion extending outward over the
gutter, and a forward portion provided with a downturned curve
forming a nose disposed over the front lip of the gutter and a
reverse curved terminal and extending rearwardly over the trough
portion of the gutter. Included in the apparatus is a modified
gutter support strap having opposing ends in engagement with the
front and rear wall of the gutter and means to connect the rear
wall of the gutter to the associated building wall. The support
strap also includes a vertically extending flange configured to
cooperate with a downwardly extending flange formed on the terminal
end of the reversed curved portion of the forward portion of the
deflector shield to fix the gutter shield in position yet from a
continuous, open space between the forward nose of the deflector
and the front lip of the gutter.
Inventors: |
Riley, Philip D.;
(Fredericktown, OH) ; Christy, Jeffrey A.; (Lewis
Center, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KREMBLAS, FOSTER, PHILLIPS & POLLICK
7632 SLATE RIDGE BOULEVARD
REYNOLDSBURG
OH
43068
US
|
Assignee: |
Gutter Defender, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
34829772 |
Appl. No.: |
11/042869 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60542204 |
Feb 5, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 13/076
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/012 |
International
Class: |
E04D 013/00 |
Claims
1. A deflector shield assembly adapted for attachment between the
outer edge of a sloping roof and an underlying length of a
conventional rain gutter to allow water flowing off the roof to
enter the rain gutter while deflecting leaf and miscellaneous
debris to the ground comprising, in combination; a main body of a
substantially rigid sheet material including (a) a generally planar
rear portion configured to be mounted under an outermost row of
shingles carried by said sloping roof, (b) a central portion
extending in a downward slope over an underlying rain gutter, (c) a
forward portion provided with a generally downwardly curved outer
segment having its most forward extent disposed in a plane above
and overlying an outer lip of said underlying gutter and including
a rearwardly extending reverse curved portion disposed over a
trough portion of said rain gutter and inwardly of said outer lip,
said rearwardly extending reverse curved portion provided with a
downwardly turned flange and (d) a gutter support member including
a base member having opposing ends mounted between a rear and
forward wall of said rain gutter and connected to a vertical wall
of the structure supporting said roof, said base member including a
vertically extending mounting flange spaced rearwardly of the outer
lip of said rain gutter and connected to said downturned flange of
said forward portion to inhibit vertical movement of said forward
portion of said deflector shield relative to said rain gutter.
2. In combination a rain gutter support strap and a gutter shield
adapted to be affixed between the forward edge of a sloping roof
and to an underling gutter having a trough for receiving rain
water, said trough defined between a front and rear wall of said
gutter, said support strap including a generally planar rigid strip
having horizontally opposed ends in force-transmitting engagement
between said front and rear walls of said gutter, a fastener
extending through a first vertically extending, rearwardly disposed
bracket fixed to said strap and the rear wall of said gutter and
connected to an outside wall of a structure supporting said sloping
roof, said strip including a vertically extending inverted V or
U-shaped flange having a forwardly facing opening disposed near,
but spaced from said front wall of said gutter; a debris shield
comprising an integrally formed, rigid, sheet material having a
predetermined length and width and including a rearward generally
planar portion configured to be fixedly received in parallel
extending relationship to a forwardly disposed row of shingles
conventionally disposed on said roof, a central portion extending
outward over said trough of said gutter, and a forward portion
including a generally reverse curved section having its most
forwardly disposed extent in vertical spaced relationship over at
least a portion of an outer lip of said front wall of said rain
gutter and its rearwardly disposed extent terminating in an
upwardly facing V or U-shape flange disposed in slideably mated
relationship with the downwardly facing V or U-shaped flange of
said support strap to limit vertical movement of said debris shield
relative to said gutter.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to rain gutters and shield apparatus
to permit water to flow into the gutter while deflecting debris
from entering the gutter.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] The collection of leaves and other similar debris in rain
gutters is an old and well-recognized problem which causes
downspouts to clog. This interferes with the intended performance
of the rain gutter. The maintenance required from time to time to
clean debris from gutters is considerable and is highly
undesirable.
[0005] A great number of gutter shield devices have been priorly
proposed and several are presently marketed which are directed to
solving this problem. One form of such shields is a screen or
screen-like device wherein water is directed into the gutter
through a screen or plurality of small openings aligned over the
trough portion of the gutter and the larger debris is prevented
from entry into the gutter. However, if the openings or screen
become clogged, the proper function of the rain gutter is
compromised and rain water is directed beyond the gutter and onto
the underlying ground surface.
[0006] The other form of device is a deflector wherein the forward
end of the shield has a downwardly curved end. Water and debris
pass over the top portion of the deflector and surface tension is
relied upon to direct water around the curved end and into the
gutter while leaves and the like pass over the forward edge of the
gutter to the ground below.
[0007] Many believe deflector devices are generally considered as
more maintenance free than screen type devices. However, to
satisfactorily meet commercial acceptance, deflector devices must
be relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture and be
relatively easy to install.
[0008] The more desirable construction and installation of such
deflector devices should apply as readily to new installations as
well as to be retro-fit installations onto an existing gutter
system. Further, they should be relatively maintenance free,
particularly with regard to the potential to attract any
significant capture of leaves and other debris between the opening
formed between the curved forward end of the deflector and the
length of the front lip of the gutter. If debris is captured
anywhere along this opening, it tends to interrupt the flow of
water over the downwardly curved forward portion of the deflector
shield and forms a bridge or pathway for water to pass over the
gutter and onto the ground below. This, of course, compromises the
intended performance of the gutter system.
[0009] While the currently used and priorly proposed gutter
deflector devices provide satisfactory results in varying degrees
in certain of the above requirements, a need for an improved
deflector apparatus which addresses all of the above-noted
desirable qualities has eluded those skilled in this art.
[0010] Some examples of prior art attempts to provide gutter
deflector shields are represented by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,404,775;
4,796,390; 6,098,344; 4,497,146; 4,796,390; and 5,557,891. The
devices disclosed in the prior patents address some of the problems
noted above, however, each have certain disadvantages which
heretofore have remained unsolved.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention is directed to apparatus for
preventing debris, such as leaves and the like, from entering into
rain gutters while permitting the water from the roof to enter the
gutter and be appropriately directed to the gutter downspout as
conventionally intended.
[0012] The present invention is particularly directed to an
improved deflector-type shield apparatus for connection to an
existing or newly installed gutter system wherein rain water is
directed over a deflector's top surface and a curved forward end
prior to entering the gutter. Due to surface tension, water tends
to cling to the downwardly curved forward end of the deflector
surface and is directed into the gutter while debris passes beyond
the forward end of the gutter to fall to the ground below in the
generally accepted and well-known manner.
[0013] In accordance with the present invention, the apparatus
includes a deflector configuration constructed to cooperate with a
flange-like portion provided on a gutter support strap or hanger to
allow simple installation of several lengths of the deflector or
shield portions adjacent to one another to properly cover the
length of the gutter and fix it against vertical separation from
its position over the gutter. Such undesirable vertical separation
can occur during high wind storms wherein an upward force is
directed to the deflector shield which may cause a disconnection of
the deflector or shield portion from its intended functional
position overlying the gutter.
[0014] As another aspect of the present invention, the downwardly
curved end portion of the deflector which directs water into the
gutter is mounted relative to the gutter in a manner which forms a
continuous open channel between the forward end of the deflector
and the upper front lip of the gutter such that there are no
obstructions upon which leaves or similar debris may be caught and
form a pathway interrupting the intended flow of water into the
gutter. In prior art devices, if this latter condition develops,
water flowing down the deflector surface tends to flow over such
points of blockage and then beyond the front lip of the gutter,
thereby compromising the intended performance of the gutter.
[0015] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention,
vertically extending flange portions on a bracket provided on the
gutter support strap and the terminal end of a reverse curve
forward portion of the deflector are disposed in closely adjacent
or abutting relationship and bolted or similarly fixed together to
maintain the intended position of the deflector apparatus relative
to the gutter.
[0016] In another preferred embodiment, the above-noted flanges
comprise a configuration of opposing V or U-shaped portions which
mate with one another in a horizontally slideably relationship
along the length of the gutter, yet, limit vertical displacement
between the deflector and the support strap to resist upwardly
directed forces caused by high wind, for example, to maintain the
deflector's position relative to the gutter.
[0017] When mated, these flanges permit limited relative slideable
movement of each length of the deflector shield relative to the
support strap and enhances the ease of installation of the
deflector shield.
[0018] As a further aspect of the present invention, a gutter
deflector manufactured according to the present invention is
relatively simple in design to allow for inexpensive manufacture
employing common, well-known materials and is substantially
maintenance free relative to requiring manually cleaning debris out
of the gutter trough which tends to clog the gutter system and
disrupt its intended function.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a side elevational sectional view of a gutter
deflector apparatus constructed in accordance with the present
invention shown attached to a gutter conventionally mounted to a
building structure, the section being taken in a vertical place
along the length of the gutter;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective, exploded view of a portion of a
conventional gutter and the gutter deflector apparatus shown in
FIG. 1; and
[0021] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 1,
illustrating a modified embodiment of the gutter deflector
apparatus of the present invention shown attached to a conventional
gutter.
[0022] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention
which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be
resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended
that the invention be limited to the specific term so selected and
it is to be understood that each specific term includes all
technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to
accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word connected or
terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to
direct connection, but include connection through other elements
where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those
skilled in the art unless otherwise specifically defined
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] A preferred gutter deflector apparatus, indicated generally
at 20, constructed in accordance with the present invention is
illustrated in FIG. 1 mounted to a conventional gutter 22 of a
building 24 having a slanted roof 26 covered with conventional
shingles 28.
[0024] The deflector shield portion, indicated generally at 30,
includes a rear portion 32 which conventionally slides under the
outermost layer of shingles 28, a central portion 34 which extends
outwardly to a point in a vertical plane over at least a portion of
the forward lip 42 of gutter 22, and a front portion 36 provided
with a reverse curve section 38 which terminates in an upwardly
facing generally U or V-shaped opening 40.
[0025] If deemed necessary, central portion 34 may be provided with
ribs, or curved sections, or other features which have the function
to attenuate or modify the flow of water over the deflector surface
to reduce any tendency for the flow of water to overcome surface
tension. The latter is relied up to cause the flow of water to
follow the downwardly curved surface of the most forward portion or
nose 36 and reverse curve section 38 and fall within the confines
of the trough 27 of gutter 22 formed between a front gutter wall 23
and a rear gutter wall 25. Such water flow attenuation means are
well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as for
example, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,796,390; 4,497,146 and
5,557,891.
[0026] Forming a part of the gutter deflector apparatus is a
modified gutter support strap or hanger, indicated generally at
46.
[0027] The general construction of a preferred form of support
strap 46 represents a conventional, well-known type including a
main body portion 50 provided with a planar upper surface 52, a
curved or L-shaped forward end 54 which is configured to fit under
a conventional channel formed under the front lip 42 of gutter 22,
and a vertically upstanding rear portion 56. Rear portion 56 may
preferably include a U-shaped 180 degree band which conventionally
fits over rear wall 25 of gutter 22 as seen in FIG. 1, such that
opposing ends of support strap 46 are disposed in engagement with
the front wall 23 and rear wall 25.
[0028] In the more preferred construction, gutter support strap 46
may include a conventionally shaped fastener bracket, such as 60,
which is fixed to upper surface 52 and includes a ferrule-like
opening 62 for receiving a screw-type or nail fastener 58 to attach
and provide enhanced support for maintaining the mounted position
of gutter 22 to building sidewall 24. However, in accordance with
the present invention, support strap 46 may simply be
conventionally directed fixed to gutter 22 and building sidewall 24
via a conventional screw, rivet, or nail fastener or the like
extended through rear portion 56 and into the sidewall 24, without
using a ferrule or ferrule bracket, such as 60, without departing
from the spirit of the present invention. The latter form of
connection to building sidewall 24 represents a less preferred
embodiment.
[0029] In accordance with the present invention, gutter support
strap 46 is modified by the addition of a deflector shield mounting
bracket 70 comprising an L-shaped body provided with a horizontal
leg 72 fixed to a forward position of the upper surface 52 of
support strap 46 via a conventional fastening means, such as a
screw or rivet 75, and a vertical leg 74 terminating in a
downwardly curved portion 76 forming an inverted or downwardly
facing U or V-shaped flange forming opening 78 between portions 74
and 76. Alternatively, leg 72 may be fixed to surface 52 via any
other suitable means known to those skilled in the art. For
example, mounting bracket 70 may be formed integral with body 50 if
deemed desirable.
[0030] As best seen in FIG. 1, bracket 70 is positioned forwardly
upon surface 52 so that an upwardly directed leg 41 forming part of
a U or V-shaped flange in the terminal end of portion 38 having an
upwardly facing open channel 40 may be mated within the channel 78.
This mating prevents any significant vertical displacement of
deflector shield 30 relative to support strap 46 and gutter 22
while allowing limited relative slideable movement in a horizontal
direction to engage or disengage deflector shield 30 from mounting
bracket 70. For installation purposes, it should be readily
understood to one skilled in this art that sections of deflector
shield 30 of a given convenient length may be positioned along the
length dimension of gutter 22 and allow limited slideable movement
to abut or overlap one another as deemed necessary to enhance quick
and facile positioning of the respective lengths of deflector
shield 30 over gutter 22 without requiring highly skilled labor or
special tools. It should also be pointed out that the upwardly leg
41 may have a shorter length than shown in FIG. 1, which would
allow it to be pushed under leg 76 and to snap into the channel or
opening 78 and still provide the slideable feature described above
herein.
[0031] It should be noted that installation of the deflector shield
apparatus using the modified gutter support strap 46 is equally
applicable to new or retro-fit installations. In retro-fit
installations, modified gutter support straps 46 are simply
positioned between the existing support straps or ferrule and
fastener combinations to permit installation in the manner
described herein. In new installations, the modified gutter support
strap 46 would be used in a conventional array spaced to
appropriately hang the gutter 22. Then the deflector shield would
be mounted in sections as described herein.
[0032] It should also be noted that rear portion 32 of deflector
shield 30 may also be disposed over the outermost row of shingles
28, using suitable fasteners fixed to the underlying roof. However,
some persons skilled in the art consider this method less
preferable than slideably disposing rear end portion 32 under the
first or outermost row of shingles 28.
[0033] Now referring to FIG. 3, another embodiment of the present
invention is illustrated. The difference between the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 relates to the particular configuration of a
modified mounting bracket 70-A and a modified terminal flanged end
of reversed curved portion 38-A of deflector shield 30. In
reference to FIG. 3, the unchanged portions of the apparatus
illustrated relative to FIGS. 1 and 2 are noted by the same
reference numerals used in these figures and the portions which are
modified use the same reference numerals followed by the letter
"A". Any new structure is referenced by a new reference numeral not
previously used.
[0034] Since the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is essentially the same
as that shown in the preceding Figures, the description of FIG. 3
is limited to those modified portions as described below for
purposes of brevity and is adequate for one of ordinary skill to
understand how to make and use the present invention.
[0035] Support strap 46-A is modified with respect to a deflector
shield mounting bracket 70-A comprising an L-shaped body provided
with a horizontal leg 72-A fixed to a forward of the upper surface
52 of the support strap 46-A via conventional fastening means such
as a screw or rivet 75, and a vertical extending leg 74-A in a
similar manner as the first described embodiment.
[0036] A downwardly extending terminal end portion 39 of portion 38
of deflector shield 30 forms a flange which is configured and
disposed closely adjacent and parallel to leg 74-A such that each
may be conventionally fixed to one another, such as, for example,
by a conventional rivet, bolt or screw 77. In this manner deflector
shield 30 may be quickly and easily affixed in appropriate
relationship to gutter 22 via support strap 46-A to accomplish the
same function and purpose as the embodiment described and shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0037] From the foregoing description, one of ordinary skill in
this art should readily understand the relative ease of manufacture
of the deflector shield 30 and modified support strap 46 as well as
the ease of installation as shown in the Figs. and described
herein. In addition, it should also be pointed out that a further
important benefit of the construction of the present invention
provides not only a secure and facile mounting of the deflector
shield 30 to the gutter 22 but further provides a continuous, open
space or channel between the most forwardly disposed nosed portion
36 of deflector shield 30 and front lip 42 of gutter 22 along the
entire length of the gutter. Therefore there is no interruption or
obstruction in this space wherein the rain water flows into the
gutter, wherein leaves and similar debris may become caught and
form discrete pathways allowing water to flow over and beyond the
front lip of the gutter rather than into the trough portion.
[0038] In view of the above description, it should be readily
understood that the present invention provides the combination of
simple manufacture, ease of a reliable and secure installation,
with the highly desirable flow directing characteristics which has
eluded those skilled in the prior art.
[0039] While certain preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been disclosed in detail, it is to be understood that various
modifications may be adopted without departing from the spirit of
the invention or scope of the following claims.
* * * * *