Covered rain gutter system

Abstract

A covered, multi-compartment rain gutter that bi-directionally mounts to facia to collect water upon exit from the peripheral edge of a roof structure, wherein surface dynamics facilitate the collection of rainwater and minimize the passage of undesirable debris, wherein a straining member further limits the passage of debris into the gutter collection compartment, and wherein the overall structural design facilitates access to the gutter collection compartment for cleaning or other maintenance.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to rain water collection devices, and more particularly, to a rain gutter and cover unit, wherein the gutter is a three-dimensional, compartmental structure that receives water from a mounted position under the extended end of a roof, wherein a grating system essentially eliminates clogging of downspouts by inhibiting the accumulation of leaves, and wherein a mounting system provides perpendicularly bi-directional support for secure placement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Numerous types of gutters are available for use, wherein a common problem to many, if not all such rain collection devices is the undesirable accumulation of debris and the resulting inhibition from proper functioning. Further, once cluttered with debris, most current designs do not facilitate cleaning, especially those adapted with covers.

[0003] Gutter covers are intended to impede the collection of leaves and other debris and thereby prevent the clogging of the gutter and downspout system. Some such covers are adapted to be retrofitted onto existing gutters. Others are integrated into a specific gutter design. However, each is disadvantageous in view of the present invention.

[0004] Several gutter designs exist wherein grates or screens act as the cover, or as the major component of the upper surface thereof. Although such screens and/or grates can prevent leaves or other debris from entering the gutter rainwater collection compartment, accumulated debris on top of the screens and/or grates can become a problem because collected rainwater must pass through these grates or screens to enter the main gutter compartment.

[0005] Another type of cover attempts to carry undesirable debris over the outside of the gutter by directing the flow of water over a series of ridges and down into an open topped gutter via increase surface tension, wherein larger debris is not intended to be directed therewith. Unfortunately, relying solely on such forces does not prevent the passage of all debris. Further, such designs intentionally limit access to the gutter to prevent debris entrance, thereby inherently limiting access for maintenance and cleaning.

[0006] Additionally, irrespective of the type of gutter and/or cover structure, the method by which the gutter is fastened to the building is critical, not only to the effectiveness of the gutter at redirecting rainwater, but also to the structural integrity of the guttered building. That is, over time, most traditionally mounted gutters begin to pull away from the wall, or facia. This phenomenon can result in rainwater creeping behind the. gutter, potentially causing water damage to the structure.

[0007] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a rain gutter and cover unit that receives water from a mounted position under the extended end of the roof, wherein a strainer-style debris blocking system essentially eliminates the collection of unwanted leaves, seeds and other clogging materials, wherein easy access to the gutter rainwater collection compartment is facilitated, and wherein a mounting system provides bi-directional support for secure, flush placement, thereby avoiding the above-discussed disadvantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a covered rain gutter system, wherein an arcuate upper surface encourages the adhesion of rainwater while propelling large objects therefrom, wherein a side-mounted, easily removable grating allows the passage of rainwater, inhibits passage of small debris pieces, and facilitates access to the main gutter compartment for maintenance, and wherein an incorporated mounting system facilitates uniform structural support and easy installation.

[0009] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, in its preferred form, the present invention is a covered, multi-compartment rain gutter that bi-directionally mounts to facia to collect water upon exit from the peripheral edge of a roof structure, wherein surface dynamics facilitate the collection of rainwater and minimize the passage of undesirable debris to a straining-type system, wherein a grille member further limits the passage of debris into the gutter collection compartment, and wherein the overall structural design facilitates access to the gutter collection compartment for cleaning or other maintenance.

[0010] More specifically, the device of the present invention in its preferred form is a covered rain gutter system with a mount structure enabling flush and secure placement relative to facia, wherein an angled bracket support member is secured to the face of the facia, wherein a first gutter structural support member is defined relative to the gutter mounting surface in order to facilitate secure engagement with the angled bracket support member, and wherein a second gutter structural support member, a base support, extends below the facia and securely fastens thereto.

[0011] In the preferred form, the gutter body is a uniquely shaped, dual compartment unit with an upper cover compartment and a lower rainwater collection compartment, wherein the upper surface of the cover compartment incorporates a dual waterfall shape to reverse rivuletting, and the outer edge of the cover compartment defines an arcuate surface to provide increased adhesion of collected rainwater while propelling large objects from the cover surface. The arcuate outer edge of the cover compartment thus serves to facilitate the continued adhesion of collected water, thereby facilitating the unimpeded passage of the collected rainwater, without undesirable matter, into the rainwater collection compartment.

[0012] The preferred grate, or stripping and screening structure, defines a backward "Z"-shape profile, wherein the first or upper end thereof is positioned within a receiving port defined in the outer edge of the cover compartment, and wherein the second or lower end is held within a receiving clamp, or locking member, defined at the edge of the collection compartment, facilitating the secure, hingedly movable, yet removable positioning of the stripping and screening structure, extending between the two compartments. The removable nature of the grating, or stripping and screening structure, facilitates easy access to the interior of the rainwater collection compartment, should such access become necessary. Further, the grate-like design facilitates the stripping of debris away from the gutter, thus enabling screening of potentially clogging materials.

[0013] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to facilitate uniform gutter support via secure mounting in two directions relative to the facia board.

[0014] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be easily installed.

[0015] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to maintain gutter positioning close to the support structure, thereby limiting water creepage therebehind.

[0016] Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to essentially eliminate the collection of unwanted debris.

[0017] Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to facilitate easy access to the gutter rainwater collection compartment.

[0018] Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be mounted to facia below the extended end of a roof.

[0019] Still yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be bi-directionally secured to facia board.

[0020] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to minimize debris collection on the gutter grate or screen.

[0021] These and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

[0023] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a covered rain gutter system, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 1B is a cut-away perspective view of the covered rain gutter system of FIG. 1A;

[0025] FIG. 2 is a front view of the grating of the preferred covered rain gutter system of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

[0026] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional, cut-away view of a covered rain gutter system, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, showing an extended-style grating mounted in a covered rain gutter;

[0027] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a covered rain gutter system, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 5A is a front, cut-away view of a grating, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 5B is a front, cut-away view of a grating, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 6A is a front view of a grating, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of a covered rain gutter system, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, showing the grating of FIG. 6A;

[0032] FIG. 7A is a front view of a grating, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and

[0033] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of a covered rain gutter system, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, showing the grating of FIG. 7A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

[0034] In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in the figures and/or described herein, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-B, the present invention in the preferred embodiment is covered rain gutter system 10, comprising dual compartment gutter unit 20, grate member 60, and mount system 100. Preferably, dual compartment gutter unit 20 is defined by upper cover compartment 22 and lower rainwater collection compartment 24, wherein grate member 60 extends therebetween, and wherein mount system 100 is defined by upper mount 102 and lower mount 104.

[0036] In the preferred form, gutter unit 20 is uniquely shaped, wherein upper wall 26 of cover compartment 22 incorporates a dual waterfall shape to reverse rivuletting of passing rainwater. Although a dual waterfall shape is preferred, as depicted in FIGS. 1A-B, a greater or lesser number of waterfall shapes could be incorporated. Preferably, outer edge 28 of cover compartment 22 defines an arcuate shape, whereby surface 28a facilitates adhesion of collected rainwater while propelling large objects therefrom. Surface 28a of outer edge 28 of cover compartment 22 thus serves to direct, uninterruptedly, the collected rainwater essentially following the arcuate path of surface 28a, wherein grate member 60 is preferably positioned to strip debris and thereby faciliate passage of the collected rainwater, without undesirable matter, into rainwater collection compartment 24.

[0037] Preferably, outer edge 28 of cover compartment 22 defines first grate port 30, preferably adapted to receive first or upper end 64 of grate member 60 therein. Extending below first grate port 30, lower wall 32 of cover compartment 22 preferably extends in an angularly variable fashion to rear wall 34, wherein the angular variation of lower wall 32 preferably defines first mount zone 36, and wherein, preferably, upper wall 26, lower wall 32 and rear wall 34 of cover compartment 22 are integrally formed. In this preferred arrangement, as first grate port 30 functionally supports upper end 64 of grate member 60, grate member 60 is preferably functionally supporting cover compartment 22 relative to gutter unit 20.

[0038] In the preferred form, lower rainwater collection compartment 24 incorporates portion 38 of lower wall 32 of upper cover compartment 22, wherein portion 38 of lower wall 32 is a component of and preferably integrally related to upper wall 40 of rainwater collection compartment 24. Preferably, lower rainwater collection compartment 24 is integrally related to upper cover compartment 22, where rainwater collection compartment 24 is preferably defined by upper wall 40, rear wall 42, and bottom wall 44. Bottom wall 44 preferably defines a "V"-shape, wherein first end 46 thereof preferably extends outwardly from rear wall 42, defining second mount zone 48. Second end 50 of bottom wall 44 preferably defines second grate port 52, preferably adapted to receive second or lower end 66 of grate member 60 therein, thereby facilitating the supportive function of grate member 60 relative to gutter unit 20.

[0039] Preferably, grate member 60 extends between first grate port 30 and second grate port 52, wherein grate member 60 preferably defines a backward "Z"-shape profile, or cross-section. Preferably, plurality of elongated bars 68 define grate member 60, thereby facilitating the collection and adherence of rainwater to the surface area thereof, and the passage of collected rainwater therethrough and into rainwater collection compartment 24, while coincidently preventing the passage of debris. It is important to note that although it is convenient to refer to grate member 60 as a grate, this word choice is not intended to be limiting in any way. That is, grate member 60 could be any suitable strainer, sieve, filter, screen, porous trap, mesh, web, lattice, and/or grille-type structure capable of facilitating the stripping away of undesirable debris while permitting the passage of water therethrough.

[0040] Preferably, grate member 60 is hingedly held between first grate port 30 and second grate port 52, wherein user access into rainwater collection compartment 24 is enabled without necessitating complete removal of grate member 60. It is noted, however, that in the preferred embodiment, grate member 60 is intended to be fully removable.

[0041] Preferred mount system 100 is defined at first mount zone 36 and second mount zone 48 by upper mount 102 and lower mount 104, respectively. Preferably, lower mount 104 is defined by second mount zone 48, preferably integrally formed with gutter unit 20, as first end 46 of bottom wall 44, wherein first end 46 of bottom wall 44 preferably extends past the plane of rear walls 42 and 34, thereby facilitating secure attachment to base B of facia board F.

[0042] Preferably, upper mount 102 is defined by first mount zone 36 and angled bracket support member 106. Angled bracket support member 106 preferably defines a "V"-shape cross-section, wherein first side 108 is adapted for flush and secure placement relative to facia board F, and wherein second side 110 extends outwardly from facia board F, defining angled mount shelf 112 for receiving and supporting lower wall 32 of cover compartment 22.

[0043] It is important to understand that the preferred three-dimensional, compartmental structure of the present invention not only facilitates the clog-free collection of rainwater, but enables the preferred perpendicularly bi-directional support for secure placement. Thus, while the foregoing embodiment of covered rain gutter system 10 is preferred, other embodiments and adaptations are anticipated wherein equivalent functionality of components are provided.

[0044] In the preferred use, angled bracket support member 106 is secured to the facia board F of a house or building at an appropriate position relative to the roof R. Preferably, gutter unit 20 is then positioned such that lower wall 32 of cover compartment 22 is received onto angled mount shelf 112 and rear walls 34 and 42 are generally flush against facia board F, wherein first end 46 of bottom wall 44 is securely attached to base B of facia board B. Thus, the preferred mount results in perpendicularly bi-directional attachment of gutter unit 20 to facia board F.

[0045] Rainwater is collected upon exit from roof R onto upper wall 26 of cover compartment 22, wherein surface dynamics encourage the adhesion of rainwater, arcuate outer edge 28 of cover compartment 22 propels large objects therefrom. Upper end 64 of grate member 60 receives the collected rainwater, wherein elongated bars 68 are configured to perform a stripping function, permitting the collected rainwater, without undesirable matter, to pass into rainwater collection compartment 24. Thus, after the rainwater travels the arcuate outer edge 28 of cover compartment 22, the curved upper end 64 of preferred Z-configured length of elongated bars 68 facilitates continued rainwater adhesion, essentially uninterruptedly, around and into rainwater collection compartment 24.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 2, grate member 60 is preferably formed from plurality of elongated bars 68, wherein cross-support member 72 functions to maintain plurality of elongated bars 68 in relative position. Also preferably, each bar of plurality of elongated bars 68 is generally cylindrically-shaped to enhance stripping abilities. However, any other suitable shape could be utilized such as, for exemplary purposes only, prismatic.

[0047] In an alternate embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 3, extended-style grate member 74 could be mounted in gutter unit 20, wherein the arcuately extended shape further facilitates the stripping away of undesirable debris. Although the majority of collected rainwater would be directed, via arcuate edge 28 of upper compartment 22, through collection passage 70, inner directive member 76 could receive remaining collected rainwater, that is, rainwater that does not pass through collection passage 70, wherein inner directive member 76 would attract the rainwater and facilitate its passage into collection compartment 24, dropping therein from delivery end 77 of directive member 76.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 4, in another alternate embodiment, gutter unit 20 could be defined by a plurality of components, in lieu of integral formation. Further, upper wall 26 of cover compartment 22 could incorporate step-like waterfall shapes 110a and 110b. Again, as with the preferred dual waterfall shape, a greater or lesser number of step-like waterfall shapes could be incorporated. Outer edge 28 of cover compartment 22 could define alternate first grate port 130, adapted to receive first or upper end 164 of alternate grate member 160 therein, wherein first grate port 130 could be generally upwardly oriented. Extending below first grate port 130, lower wall 132 of cover compartment 22 could terminate at angular point 134, wherein hooked connection member 136 could extend from lower wall 132 toward rear wall 34, linking to mount support wall 138.

[0049] Lower rainwater collection compartment 24 is integrally related to rear wall 34, via mount support wall 138 and first mount zone 36, wherein rear wall 42 extends therefrom. Second end 50 of bottom wall 44 could define alternate second grate port 152, adapted to receive second or lower end 166 of alternate grate member 160 therein. Grate member 160 extends between first grate port 130 and second grate port 152, wherein grate member 160 defines a partial "C"-shape profile, or cross-section. Referring now to FIG. 5A, plurality of elongated apertures 168 could be defined in grate member 160, wherein plurality of diamond-profile teeth 170 could be alternately spaced therewith, wherein the diamond-profile facilitates the passage of collected rainwater through plurality of elongated apertures 168 and into rainwater collection compartment 24, while coincidently discouraging adherence of leaves or other debris material. In another alternate form, referring to FIG. 5B, plurality of bars 172, supported by cross bars 174, could be utilized to form grate member 160.

[0050] Additionally, referring now to FIGS. 6A-B, in yet another alternate embodiment, extended-style grate member 200 could be mounted in gutter unit 20, wherein plurality of rain collecting bars 201 could receive collected rainwater, facilitating passage into collection compartment 24 through interstitial spaces 202. V-shape director member 203 could be adapted to collect rainwater from plurality of bars 201, wherein surface adhesion of rainwater to V-shape director member 203, coupled with gravitational movement of the rainwater, would serve to direct the rainwater into collection compartment 24. Further, in another embodiment, in lieu of a V-shape, a football or ovoid shape could be defined, or any other suitable shape that minimized the interruption of the adhesion of the rainwater from the arcuate upper surface of upper compartment 22 as it flows into and through grate member 210 for collection.

[0051] Finally, referring now to FIGS. 7A-B, in still yet another alternate embodiment, extended-style grate member 210 could be mounted in gutter unit 20, wherein plurality of elongated apertures 212 could be defined between plurality of diamond-profile teeth 214, alternately spaced therewith. Plurality of diamond-profile teeth 214 could be comprised of upper teeth grouping 215a and lower teeth grouping 215b, with directional wall 218 defined therebetween, wherein directional wall 218 could extend into rainwater collection compartment 24, thereby facilitating the adherence and passage of collected rainwater into rainwater collection compartment 24, while coincidently preventing the passage of debris.

[0052] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A rain gutter device, comprising: a dual-compartment gutter unit having a cover compartment and a collection compartment, a grate, a first end of said grate carried by said cover compartment and a second end of said grate carried by said collection compartment, and a mount system, a first mount region defined proximate said cover compartment and a second mount region defined proximate said collection compartment.

2. The rain gutter device of claim 1, wherein said mount system comprises perpendicularly bi-directional mount supports.

3. The rain gutter device of claim 1, wherein said cover compartment defines an upper surface with a plurality of arcuate variations.

4. The rain gutter device of claim 1, wherein said cover compartment defines an upper surface with a plurality of step-like variations.

5. The rain gutter device of claim 1, wherein said grate is hingedly held.

6. The rain gutter device of claim 1, wherein said grate is removable.

7. The rain gutter device of claim 1, further comprising an angled bracket support member, wherein said first mount region of said mount system is adapted to enable support of said cover compartment via said angled bracket support member, and wherein said second mount region of said mount system is defined, extending from a base of said collection compartment.

8. The rain gutter device of claim 7, wherein said first mount region of said mount system is adapted for secure installation in an exposed face of a facia board, and wherein said second mount region of said mount system is adapted for secure installation in a bottom edge of the facia board, whereby said installations are perpendicular to each other.

9. The rain gutter device of claim 1, wherein said grate defines a backward "Z"-shape cross-section.

10. The rain gutter device of claim 1, wherein said cover compartment further comprises a first grate receiving port and wherein said collection compartment further comprises a second grate receiving port.

11. The rain gutter device of claim 1, wherein said cover compartment and said collection compartment of said gutter unit are integrally formed.

12. The rain gutter device of claim 1, wherein said grate is defined by a plurality of elongated bars and at least one cross-support member.

13. The rain gutter device of claim 1, wherein said grate defines an arcuate cross-section and is carried in a generally extended position relative said gutter unit.

14. The rain gutter device of claim 1, wherein said gutter unit is defined by a plurality of components, wherein said plurality of components comprises an integrally formed cover and collection compartment and a hooked connection member, whereby said hooked connection member functionally defines and separates said cover compartment and said collection compartment.

15. The rain gutter device of claim 1, wherein said grate defines a partial "C"-shape cross-section.

16. The rain gutter device of claim 15, wherein said grate is defined by a plurality of diamond-profile teeth and a plurality of elongated apertures.

17. The rain gutter device of claim 15, wherein said grate is defined by a plurality of bars carried by a cross-support member.

18. A covered rain gutter device, comprising: a cover compartment with an undulating upper surface, a collection compartment, a sieve-like member hingedly related to said cover compartment and removably related to said collection compartment, and a bi-directional mount system comprising an external bracket member, a bracket receiving port defined in said cover compartment, and a base support mount defined proximate said collection compartment.

19. The covered rain gutter device of claim 18, wherein said cover compartment and said collection compartment are integrally formed.

20. The covered rain gutter device of claim 18, wherein said cover compartment and said collection compartment are linked via a removable, hooked connection member.