Advanced Gutter System

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an advanced rain gutter system for preventing the blockage of a rain gutter system on a building roof. The system includes a shield having a first end zone adapted for connection to the roof and a second end zone which forms a curved shaped lip and the lip is in near touching contact with the gutter, substantially covering the gutter without doing so completely.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0001] This invention relates generally to building structures and more particularly to devices which are used to protect such structures from rain and similar elements and most particularly to devices used to protect rain gutters and the like from being clogged and rendered useless.

[0002] Rain gutters provide a critical service to building. They disperse water and similar fluid and protect the building from water and similar damage. Most commonly building codes provide for such rain gutters which must conform to certain prescribed functional and structural requirements. These rules and regulations are designed to protect the building and to facilitate inspections.

[0003] However, upon completion of the building and the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, no further inspections are required and often the gutters can become clogged with debris, such as leaves or the like. While, periodic cleaning of the gutters is often sufficient to keep the gutters unclogged, on occasion a storm can occur wherein the gutters become clogged and useless. Also, constant maintenance of the gutters requires maintenance costs.

[0004] What is needed is a device which allows the gutter to function normally, but prevents and at the very least deters clogs. The device should conform to all building regulations while being able to be easily adapted to current roofing and new roofing as it becomes available

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is an object of this invention to provide a system whereby a gutter is fully functional and yet protected from clogging.

[0006] It is an additional object of this invention to provide such a system, which easily is adapted to existing conditions, namely existing and newly constructed roofs.

[0007] It is an additional object of this invention to provide such a system that is inexpensive to install and durable.

[0008] In accordance with the above objects and those that will be mentioned and will become apparent below, the advanced roof gutter system in accordance with this invention, comprises:

[0009] a gutter having an opening for collecting rain and like weather elements;

[0010] a shield, including a first end zone and a second end zone,

[0011] the first end zone being adapted for connection with the roof and the second end zone defining a curved portion and adapted to be in covering proximity of the rain gutter opening and covering a substantial portion of the opening without covering the opening completely.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment of the advanced roof gutter system in accordance with this invention, the first end zone is sized and shaped to conform to the shape of the roof and adapted for connection to the roof.

[0013] In another exemplary embodiment of the advanced roof gutter system in accordance with this invention, the shield is adapted to be connected to a flat slanted roof, wherein the first end zone is flat and the second end zone forms a curved shaped lip and the lip is near touching contact with the gutter.

[0014] It is an advantage of this invention to a provide an advanced roof gutter system in accordance with this invention, which works in a conventional manner by dispelling fluids from the roof and yet prevents traditional clogging of leaves and debris and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0015] For a further understanding of the objects and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which like parts are given like reference numerals and wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the advanced roof gutter system in accordance with this invention illustrating its application to the roof.

[0017] FIGS. 2 is a perspective view of the shield of the advanced roof gutter system in accordance with this invention shown in FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view illustrating the advanced roof gutter system in accordance with this invention in place on a typical setting, used for parallel parking.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The invention will now be described with respect to FIG. 1, which illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the invention shown generally by the numeral 10 attached to a building 12.

[0020] The advanced roof gutter system in accordance with this invention includes a shield 14 attached to the roof of the building 12. The shield 14 partially covers a rain gutter 16, also attached to the building 12. As will be explained more fully with respect to FIG. 3, the shield 14 mostly covers the rain gutter opening, but still allows fluid such as rain to enter the rain gutter so that the rain gutter can function in a normal manner.

[0021] The shield is curved shaped as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In fact, in cross section, as best illustrated in FIG. 3, an exemplary embodiment resembles a question mark. This shape provides the shield 14 with the functionality necessary to be attached to the roof and to partially cover the drain opening while allowing the drain to function as it was designed.

[0022] The shield has a first end zone 20 and a second end zone 22. The first end zone 20 is shaped to conform to the shape of the roof and forms the attachment structure which connects the shield to the roof. If the roof has a curved shape, the first end zone 20 will similarly be curved shaped. In any exemplary embodiment, the first end zone will conform to the shape of the roof to facilitate connection.

[0023] The second end zone 22 is shaped to cover, partially, the open end of the gutter in a typical gutter so that it performs its function while covering the open end from blockages created by leaves and other debris.

[0024] As shown particularly with respect to FIG. 3 the second end zone defines a curved shaped lip 26. The closed shaped lip 26 is in near touching contact with the outer edge of the gutter wall. 28. Of course, the lip 26 cannot be in touching contact with the rain gutter or the rain and similar fluids will not be dispersed along the rain gutter and drain (FIG. 1).

[0025] While the foregoing detailed description has described several embodiments of the advanced gutter system in accordance with this invention, it is to be understood that the above description is illustrative only and not limiting of the disclosed invention. Particularly, while certain shaped have been illustrated and described, these shapes are by no means limiting. The shapes are illustrated and described are so in the exemplary embodiments so that they can function in a manner consistent with the objects and advantages of the invention. Thus, the invention is to be limited only by the claims as set forth below.

Claims

1. An advanced roof gutter system, including a gutter having an opening for collecting rain and like weather elements, the system comprising: a shield, including a first end zone and a second end zone, the first end zone being adapted for connection with the roof and the second end zone defining a curved portion and adapted to be in covering proximity of the rain gutter opening and covering a substantial portion of the opening without covering the opening completely.

2. The advanced roof gutter system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first end zone is sized and shaped to conform to the shape of the roof and adapted for connection to the roof.

3. The advanced roof gutter system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the second end forms a curved shaped lip and the lip is in near touching contact with the gutter.

4. The advanced roof gutter system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the shield resembles a question mark in cross section.

5. The advanced roof gutter system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the shield is adapted to be connected to a flat slanted roof, wherein the first end zone is flat and the second end zone forms a curved shaped lip and the lip is near touching contact with the gutter.