U.S. patent application number 12/009666 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-23 for debris removal gutter system.
Invention is credited to William Lloyd Walker.
Application Number | 20090183438 12/009666 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40875320 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090183438 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walker; William Lloyd |
July 23, 2009 |
Debris removal gutter system
Abstract
A gutter system is provided. The gutter system may include a
channel that is capable of catching water from a roof. A mounting
member may be present and may be configured for at least partially
supporting the channel. The channel may be rotationally mounted to
the mounting member so that the channel is capable of rotating with
respect to the mounting member. The channel can have a force
applied thereto in order to thus rotate about an axis of rotation
so that debris present in the channel will fall from its interior
and thus effect a cleaning of the channel.
Inventors: |
Walker; William Lloyd;
(Greenville, SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
J. BENNETT MULLINAX, LLC
P. O. BOX 26029
GREENVILLE
SC
29616-1029
US
|
Family ID: |
40875320 |
Appl. No.: |
12/009666 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 13/0765
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/11 |
International
Class: |
E04D 13/064 20060101
E04D013/064 |
Claims
1. A gutter system, comprising: a channel configured for catching
water from a roof, the channel configured for having an end located
adjacent a wall of a structure and an opposite end located remote
from the wall of the structure when the channel is located in an
orientation for catching water from the roof; an engagement member
attached to the channel, wherein the relative position between the
engagement member and the channel does not change; and a mounting
member configured for at least partially supporting the channel,
wherein the channel is rotationally mounted to the mounting member
such that the channel is capable of rotating with respect to the
mounting member, wherein the channel rotates about an axis of
rotation that is located at the remote end of the channel, wherein
the engagement member is configured for having a force applied
thereto in order to rotate the channel about the axis of rotation
from the water catching orientation to an orientation in which
debris present in the channel is capable of falling therefrom.
2. The gutter system as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a
line attached to the engagement member, wherein a force is capable
of being applied to the line so as to be applied to the engagement
member to effect rotation of the channel about the axis of
rotation.
3. The gutter system as set forth in claim 2, wherein the line is a
chain, and further comprising at least one gear in communication
with the chain, wherein rotation of the gear effects movement of
the chain.
4. The gutter system as set forth in claim 2, further comprising: a
pulley that engages the line and changes the direction of the line;
and a winch that is attached to the pulley and is capable of being
turned in order to apply force to the line.
5. The gutter system as set forth in claim 2, further comprising a
motor capable of being actuated in order apply force to the line
for subsequent application to the engagement member in order to
effect rotation of the channel.
6. The gutter system as set forth in claim 2, wherein the channel
has a round outer surface and defines a groove thereon, wherein at
least a portion of the line is disposed in the groove of the
channel.
7. The gutter system as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an
end support mounted to the structure, wherein the end of the
channel adjacent the wall of the structure when in the water
catching orientation rests on top of and is supported by the end
support, wherein the channel is configured for being rotated out of
the water catching orientation about the axis of rotation in a
direction such that the interior of the channel does not face the
portion of the wall of the structure proximate to the channel when
the channel rotates from the water catching orientation to an
orientation in which the interior of the channel is directed
downwards.
8. A gutter system, comprising: a channel configured for catching
water from a roof, the channel configured for having an end located
adjacent a wall of a structure and an opposite end located remote
from the wall of the structure when the channel is located in an
orientation for catching water from the roof; and a mounting member
configured for at least partially support the channel, wherein the
channel is rotationally mounted to the mounting member such that
the channel is capable of rotating with respect to the mounting
member, wherein the channel rotates about an axis of rotation that
is located at the remote end of the channel; wherein the channel is
configured for being rotated out of the water catching orientation
about the axis of rotation in a direction such that the interior of
the channel faces the portion of the wall of the structure
proximate to the channel after the channel begins to rotate from
the water catching orientation to an orientation in which debris
present in the interior of the channel is capable of falling out of
the interior of the channel.
9. The gutter system as set forth in claim 8, further comprising: a
spring configured for urging the channel to the water catching
orientation; and an end stop that remains stationary with respect
to the mounting member during rotation of the channel, wherein the
end of the channel adjacent the wall of the structure when the
channel is in the water catching orientation contacts the bottom of
the end stop and is prevented from further rotating about the axis
of rotation such that the channel remains in the water catching
orientation.
10. The gutter system as set forth in claim 9, wherein the spring
is a torsion spring, and further comprising an electric motor
capable of applying force to the channel so as to effect rotation
of the channel about the axis of rotation.
11. The gutter system as set forth in claim 9, further comprising a
line attached to the channel for imparting a force thereto in order
to effect rotation of the channel about the axis of rotation,
wherein the line is configured for being grasped by a user for
application of a force at least partially towards the wall of the
structure, and wherein the line is configured for being grasped by
a user for application of a force at least partially away from the
wall of the structure.
12. The gutter system as set forth in claim 9, further comprising a
second stop configured for limiting rotation of the channel about
the axis of rotation.
13. The gutter system as set forth in claim 8, wherein the channel
is placed into communication with a downspout such that water in
the channel is capable of being transferred into the downspout for
removal therefrom, wherein the entry point of the downspout is
located between the ends of the channel, and further comprising a
downspout fill-in component that remains stationary with respect to
the mounting member and functions so as to fill-in a portion of the
inner surface of the channel when the channel is placed in the
water catching orientation.
14. A gutter system, comprising: a channel configured for catching
water from a roof, wherein the channel has a pair of ends with an
interior located therebetween; a mounting member configured for at
least partially supporting the channel, wherein the channel is
rotationally mounted to the mounting member such that the channel
is capable of rotating with respect to the mounting member, wherein
the channel rotates about an axis of rotation that is located
between the ends of the channel, wherein the channel is configured
for being rotated about the axis of rotation from the water
catching orientation to an orientation in which debris present in
the channel is capable of falling therefrom.
15. The gutter system as set forth in claim 14, further comprising:
a gear; and a chain capable of rotating the gear, wherein rotation
of the gear causes rotation of the channel about the axis of
rotation.
16. The gutter system as set forth in claim 15, further comprising
a second gear capable of being rotated in order to move the chain
so as to effect rotation of the first gear in order to cause the
channel to rotate.
17. The gutter system as set forth in claim 16, wherein the first
gear is rotated automatically by a motor.
18. The gutter system as set forth in claim 16, wherein the first
gear is rotated manually by a hand actuated crank.
19. The gutter system as set forth in claim 14, wherein the axis of
rotation is located above the ends of the channel when the channel
is in the water catching orientation.
20. The gutter system as set forth in claim 14, further comprising:
an engagement member rotationally mounted to the mounting member,
wherein the axis of rotation of the engagement member is coaxial
with the axis of rotation of the channel, wherein the engagement
member is rigidly attached to the channel such that rotation of the
engagement member effects rotation of the channel, wherein the
engagement member has a disk shaped portion the center of which is
located at the axis of rotation of the engagement member, and
wherein the engagement member has a projecting portion that extends
from the disk shaped portion; a line attached to the projecting
portion of the engagement member, wherein the line is capable of
having a force imparted thereon in order apply a force to the
projecting member so as to effect rotation of the channel; and a
plurality of rollers that are located along the length of the
channel and engage the bottom of the channel in order to support
the channel when the channel is in the water catching orientation.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to gutter systems.
More particularly, the present application involves a debris
removal gutter system that includes a channel capable of being
rotated so that debris present in the channel can fall therefrom in
order to effect a cleaning of the channel.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Gutter systems are used for catching water at the edge of a
roof of a structure. Water flowing down the roof will fall into and
collect in a channel of the gutter system. The channel may be
arranged at an incline so that water present therein will flow
along the length of the channel to a desired location. Water may
flow out of an end of the channel to the ground below, or may flow
out of a downspout placed into fluid communication with the channel
so that the water is thus transported to a desired location. Gutter
systems are effective in diverting water flow so that water
accumulation does not occur adjacent the wall of a structure for
eventual damage thereof.
[0003] Channels of gutter systems often become littered with debris
such as shingle particles, leaves, branches, trash and the like.
One common chore of the homeowner is the removal of debris from his
or her gutter system in order to prevent clogging of the gutter
system and to ensure normal functioning. The homeowner can access
the channel of the gutter system by climbing onto the roof of the
structure or by climbing onto a ladder positioned adjacent or onto
the channel. Such techniques may result in injury due to a fall
from the roof or ladder. Additionally, such cleaning techniques may
not be possible by people of limited mobility. As such, there
remains room for variation and improvement in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the
specification, which makes reference to the appended Figs. in
which:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a gutter system in
accordance with one exemplary embodiment.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the gutter system of FIG.
1 in which the channel is rotated into an orientation allowing for
the removal of debris therefrom.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the gutter system of
FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a gutter system in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the gutter system of
FIG. 4.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the gutter system of FIG.
4 in which the channel is rotated into an orientation allowing for
the removal of debris therefrom.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a gutter system in accordance
with another exemplary embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the gutter system taken
along line 8-8 of FIG. 7.
[0013] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the gutter system of
FIG. 7 in which the channel is rotated into an orientation allowing
for the removal of debris therefrom.
[0014] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a gutter system in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a gutter system in accordance
with one exemplary embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the gutter system of
FIG. 11.
[0017] FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the gutter system of
FIG. 11 in which the channel has been rotated ninety degrees.
[0018] FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of the gutter system of
FIG. 11 in which the channel has been rotated into an orientation
allowing for the removal of debris therefrom.
[0019] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a gutter system in accordance
with another exemplary embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of
FIG. 15.
[0021] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the gutter system of
FIG. 15 in which the channel has been partially rotated.
[0022] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the gutter system of
FIG. 15 in which the channel has been rotated into an orientation
allowing for the removal of debris therefrom.
[0023] FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of a gutter system in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of the gutter system of
FIG. 19.
[0025] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a gutter system in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment.
[0026] Repeat use of reference characters in the present
specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or
analogous features or elements of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0027] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the
invention, and not meant as a limitation of the invention. For
example, features illustrated or described as part of one
embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield still a
third embodiment. It is intended that the present invention include
these and other modifications and variations.
[0028] It is to be understood that the ranges mentioned herein
include all ranges located within the prescribed range. As such,
all ranges mentioned herein include all sub-ranges included in the
mentioned ranges. For instance, a range from 100-200 also includes
ranges from 110-150, 170-190, and 153-162. Further, all limits
mentioned herein include all other limits included in the mentioned
limits. For instance, a limit of up to 7 also includes a limit of
up to 5, up to 3, and up to 4.5.
[0029] The present invention provides for a gutter system 10 that
includes a channel 12 that can collect and transport water from the
roof of a structure. The channel 12 is arranged so that it can be
rotated with respect to the structure in order for debris 54
present in the interior 44 of the channel 12 to fall. The channel
12 can be reoriented back into its water catching orientation for
subsequent use. The rotation of the channel 12 can be effected in a
variety of manners. The channel 12 can be rotated from its water
catching orientation such that the interior 44 of the channel 12
faces the portion 46 of the wall proximate to the gutter system 10
or so that the channel 12 faces away from the portion 46 upon
rotating the channel 12 to an orientation in which debris 54
therein is capable of falling therefrom.
[0030] One exemplary embodiment of the gutter system 10 is
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. As shown, the gutter system 10 includes a
channel 12 that is rotationally mounted to a mounting member 24
that is in turn connected to a wall 16 of a structure. The gutter
system 10 is arranged in such a manner that water flowing from the
roof 14 of the structure is capable of flowing into the channel 12
for subsequent transfer to a desired location.
[0031] The channel 12 has a semi-circular cross section, although
it is to be understood that the shape and configuration of the
channel 12 is only exemplary and that various shapes and
configurations are possible in accordance with other exemplary
embodiments. The channel 12 is arranged so that an end 18 is
located proximate to the wall 16 of the structure when the channel
12 is positioned in the water catching orientation as shown in FIG.
1. The channel 12 has a remote end 20 that is opposite the end 18
that is positioned remote from the wall 16 of the structure when
the channel 12 is in the water catching orientation. An interior
surface 52 of the channel 12 extends between the ends 18 and 20 and
an interior 44 of the channel 12 is defined. Debris 54 may collect
in the interior 44 of the channel 12 though normal operation.
Debris 54 can be leaves, branches, material from roof 14, trash or
the like. The debris 54 is problematic in that it may function to
prevent the flow of water through the channel 12 or may be
transported out of the channel 12 to other areas that may become
subsequently clogged with the debris 54 initially present in
channel 12.
[0032] The channel 12 may be reoriented so that it is turned upside
down in order to allow debris 54 present in the channel 12 to fall
therefrom as shown with reference to FIG. 2. Although shown as
being completely inverted so that the interior surface 52 of
channel 12 faces the ground, the channel 12 can be rotated any
degree from its water catching orientation so that debris 54 is
capable of falling therefrom. For example, the channel 12 may be
rotated up to forty five degrees from its water catching position
in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. Alternatively,
the channel 12 may be rotated from one hundered and twenty to two
hundred and twenty degrees from its initial water catching position
in accordance with yet other exemplary embodiments.
[0033] The channel 12 rotates about an axis of rotation 26 that is
located at the remote end 20 of the channel 12. The channel 12 can
be rotationally mounted to the mounting member 24 in a variety of
manners. For example, a spindle can extend from the channel 12 for
receipt within the mounting member 24. Alternatively, an axle may
extend the length of the channel 12 for receipt within the mounting
member 24. Bearings may be used to enhance the rotational
connection between the channel 12 and the mounting member 24 in
certain exemplary embodiments.
[0034] The gutter system 10 in FIGS. 1-3 includes an engagement
member 22. The engagement member 22 is rigidly attached to the
channel 12 so that the relative position between the channel 12 and
the engagement member 22 does not change, as may be observed upon
comparison of FIGS. 1 and 2. The engagement member extends upwards
and outwards from the channel 12 and has one end of a line 30
attached thereto. A force may be applied to line 30 for subsequent
application to the engagement member 22. For example, a force F, as
shown in FIG. 2, applied to the line 30 causes the engagement
member 22 to rotate such that the channel 12 is likewise rotated
about the axis of rotation 26. The channel 12 rotates in the
exemplary embodiment illustrated in a direction from the water
catching orientation such that the interior 44 of the channel 12
faces away from a portion 46 of the wall 16 proximate the mounting
member 24. The force F may be applied to such a degree that the
channel 12 is completely inverted as shown in FIG. 2 so that the
debris 54 present can fall out of the interior 44. The engagement
member 22 can be configured so that a desired mechanical advantage
is realized upon placement of the attachment point of line 30 a
desired distance from the axis of rotation 26.
[0035] The mounting member 24 is rigidly attached to the wall 16
and does not change positions during rotation of the channel 12.
Any suitable attachment mechanism may be employed. For example, the
mounting member 24 may be bolted, stapled, adhered, welded or
nailed to the wall 16. Further, the mounting member 24 may be
rigidly attached to the roof 14 and/or wall 16 in accordance with
various exemplary embodiments. The mounting member 24 may be fixed
to the structure so that it does not rotate or move relative
thereto. The mounting member 24 includes a pair of rounded portions
that function to more easily allow the line 30 to traverse across
the mounting member 24 during rotation of the channel 12. However,
in accordance with other exemplary embodiments the line 30 need not
engage the mounting member 24. The line 30 can be any object
capable of imparting a force to the engagement member 22. For
example, line 30 may be a rope, chain, string, cable, or rod in
accordance with various exemplary embodiments. The line 30 may be
flexible or non-flexible in accordance with various exemplary
embodiments.
[0036] A spring 28 may be included in the gutter system 10 and can
be connected to both the mounting member 24 and the channel 12.
However, the spring 28 may be connected to other components of the
gutter system 10 in other embodiments. The spring 28 biases the
channel 12 back into the water catching orientation. As such,
release of force F on the line 30 causes the spring 28 to pull the
channel 12 from the orientation illustrated in FIG. 2 back into the
orientation illustrated in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood
that the spring 28 need not be present in accordance with other
exemplary embodiments. For example, a force may be applied by the
line 30 or by another component so that the channel 12 is rotated
back into the water catching orientation.
[0037] The gutter system 10 in the exemplary embodiment shown has
an end support 42. the end support 42 functions to stop the
rotational movement of the channel 12 once it is flipped from the
location shown in FIG. 2 back into the water catching orientation
shown in FIG. 1. In this regard, the channel 12 can rotate
clockwise, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and fall until it hits the
end support 42 and stops. The end 18 of channel 12 contacts the
upper surface of the end support 42 when the channel 12 is in the
water catching orientation. The end support 42 also functions to
support the end 18 so that the channel 12 does not sag or otherwise
become deformed during use. The end support 42 may be present along
the entire length of the channel 12 or may be present along only a
portion or portions of its length. End support 42 can be a single
component or may be made of multiple components in accordance with
various exemplary embodiments.
[0038] Although shown in FIG. 3 as being located on only one side
of the channel 12, various components of the gutter system 10 such
as the mounting member 24, engagement member 22, line 30, and/or
spring 28 may be included on both sides of the channel 12. In this
regard, mounting members 24 may be present on both sides of the
channel 12 and may be identical in shape and configuration or may
be shaped or configured differently from one another. In a similar
manner, another line 30 may be included at the opposite end of the
channel 12 as shown in FIG. 3 and can be actuated in conjunction
with the first line 30 or alternatively to the first line 30 in
order to effect rotation of the channel 12. As such, the gutter
system 10 as described herein can have additional, identical or
other alternative components located on both sides of the channel
12.
[0039] The line 30 may be actuated by a user in a number of
different manners in order to effect rotation of the channel 12 so
that debris 54 can fall therefrom. In accordance with one exemplary
embodiment, line 30 extends from the engagement member 22 to ground
level or within reach of a person on the ground. The person may
simply grasp the line 30 and apply a force F thereto in order to
actuate the channel 12. The user may thus apply a force to the
gutter system 10 in order to rotate the channel 12 and thus clean
the channel 12 without having to leave the ground. FIG. 10 shows
one exemplary arrangement of the gutter system 10 in which the line
30 extends from the engagement member 22 to a winch 38. The line
also extends across a directional pulley 36 that can be mounted to
the structure to which the gutter system 10 is employed. A user may
manually turn the winch 38 so that line 30 is rolled up thereon.
The user can turn the winch 38 until the channel 12 has rotated
into a desired position so that debris 54 can fall therefrom. A
motor may alternatively be arranged with the winch 38 so that it
can be automatically turned in order to take up the line 30. Winch
38 can be mounted to the side of the structure or may be located
onto the ground next to the structure to which the gutter system 10
is employed.
[0040] An additional exemplary embodiment of the gutter system 10
is shown in FIGS. 4-6. Here, the channel 12 is rotationally mounted
to the mounting member 24 that is in turn rigidly arranged with
respect to the wall 16. The axis of rotation 26 of the channel 12
extends through a location that is substantially at the halfway
point between ends 18 and 20. In accordance with certain exemplary
embodiments, the axis of rotation 26 is at the midpoint of the
channel 12 such that it is equal distance from the ends 18 and 20.
The axis of rotation 26 is located at a position that is below the
top of the ends 18 and 20 such that the axis of rotation 26 is
located in the interior 44 of the channel 12. However, other
exemplary embodiments are possible in which the axis of rotation 26
is located vertically above the top of ends 18 and 20 when the
channel 12 is positioned in the water catching orientation. Still
further embodiments are possible in which the axis of rotation 26
is located below the bottom of the channel 12 when the channel 12
is oriented in the water catching orientation.
[0041] A line 30, that is a chain 60, is used to impart motion to
the channel 12 in FIGS. 4-6. In this regard, a first gear 32 is
mounted onto the channel 12, spindle extending from the channel 12,
axle or other object such that the first gear 32 turns with the
channel 12. The chain 60 is wrapped around the first gear 32 and
extends downwards to a second gear 34. A crank 62 is located at the
ground next to the structure to which the channel 12 is oriented. A
user may turn crank 62 in order to rotate the second gear 34 such
that chain 60 is moved. Movement of chain 60 is translated into
rotation of the first gear 32 such that the first gear 32 in turn
rotates the channel 12. The channel 12 may thus be rotated as
desired by the user in order to have debris 54 present therein
removed. Although described as being a hand crank 62, a motor may
be incorporated so that the chain 60 may be moved automatically as
desired.
[0042] The channel 12 can be rotated in a clockwise direction with
reference to FIG. 4. In this regard, the channel 12 can be rotated
from the water catching position so that the interior 44 of the
channel 12 faces a portion 46 of the wall 16 proximate to the
mounting member 24 once the channel 12 leaves the water catching
position and before debris 54 falls therefrom. The direction of
rotation in this exemplary embodiment is thus opposite the
direction of rotation of channel 12 previously described and
illustrated with respect to FIGS. 1-3 and 10. The channel 12 is
capable of rotation so that it can be completely inverted as
illustrated in FIG. 6 so that the interior 44 of the channel 12
faces the ground. Once the debris 54 has been adequately removed,
the user can reverse the direction of turning of crank 62 so that
the chain 60 is moved in a reverse direction. This movement will
cause the first gear 32 to turn in the reverse direction so that
the channel 12 will be moved back to the water catching position.
However, other arrangements are possible in which the crank 62 can
continue to be turned in the same direction as it was turned upon
moving the channel 12 into the position shown in FIG. 6. As such,
the channel 12 can complete a full 360.degree. turn so that it is
once again positioned back into the original, water catching
position.
[0043] The gutter system 10 in FIGS. 4-6 can also be arranged so
that the channel 12 can initially rotate in the same direction as
that previously discussed with respect to the exemplary embodiments
in FIGS. 1-3 and 10. Here, crank 62 can be actuated so that the
channel 12, initially in the water catching position, turns so that
the interior 44 of channel 12 faces away from a portion 46 of the
wall 16 proximate to where the channel 12 is located. The channel
12 can continue to be turned in the same direction until debris 54
are capable of dropping therefrom. Although shown and described as
being completely inverted, it is to be understood that the channel
12 need only be rotated to such a degree that some or all of the
debris 54 can fall therefrom. As such, the channel 12 need not
rotate a full 180.degree. in accordance with various exemplary
embodiments.
[0044] An alternative exemplary embodiment of the gutter system 10
is shown in FIGS. 7-9. Here, the channel 12 is capable of being
rotated about an axis of rotation 26 that is located at the remote
end 20 of the channel 12. The channel 12 is rotationally mounted to
and can rotate relative to the mounting member 24. A spring 28,
that in this instance is a torsion spring, biases the channel 12
into the water catching position. As shown with reference to FIG.
8, the torsion spring 28 functions to urge the channel 12 about the
axis of rotation 26 so that the top of the channel 12 is pushed up
against the bottom of an end stop 56. The position of end stop 56
is fixed with respect to the mounting member 24 and structure to
which the gutter system 10 is attached. The end stop 56 can be
rigidly affixed to the mounting member 24, roof 14 or wall 16 in
accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. The spring force of
torsion spring 28 is such that it urges the channel 12 securely
against the end stop 56 and prevents vibration or rattling from
occurring.
[0045] When a user desires a self-cleaning function be performed on
the gutter system 10, a motor 40 is actuated in order to turn the
channel 12 about the axis of rotation 26. The motor 40 may be
coupled to a spindle, axle or other member that engages the channel
12 and allows the channel 12 to pivot with respect to the mounting
member 24. The torsion spring 26 can also engage the channel 12 at
the spindle, axle or other member that allows the channel 12 to
pivot with respect to the mounting member 24. The motor 40 may be
supported by the mounting member 24 and can be actuated at a remote
location. For example, a control switch can be located inside of
the structure to which the gutter system 10 is installed. The motor
40, in addition to any of the previously described motors in the
present application, can be an electric motor or may be a hydraulic
or pneumatic motor in accordance with certain exemplary
embodiments. Actuation of motor 40 supplies a turning force to
channel 12 sufficient to overcome the torsional bias of the torsion
spring 28. Channel 12 will thus be moved out of the water catching
position illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 so that the interior 44 of
the channel 12 will face a portion 46 of the wall 16 proximate to
the channel 12. The motor 40 can continue to apply a turning force
to channel 12 until it reaches a completely inverted orientation as
shown with reference to FIG. 9. At such time, the channel 12 can be
held for a predetermined amount of time so that the inner surface
52 of the channel 12 faces the ground and debris 54 is allowed to
drop therefrom. In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments,
the channel 12 can remain inverted in the position shown in FIG. 9
from fifteen to thirty seconds.
[0046] The motor 40 may be configured so that it stops providing a
turning force to the channel 12 to thus allow the channel 12 to be
forced back into the normal, water catching orientation shown in
FIGS. 7 and 8. In this regard, the force applied by the motor 40
can be minimized so that the counteracting force of torsion spring
28 is sufficient to overcome the motor 40 force and rotate the
channel 12 backwards. Alternatively, a clutch or other component
may be utilized in the gutter system 10 to disengage the motor 40
force from the spindle, axle or other member engaging the channel
12 and the mounting member 24. Once disengaged, the channel 12 will
swing in a reverse position due to the application of a turning
force from the torsion spring 28.
[0047] An alternative exemplary embodiment of the gutter system 10
is shown with reference to FIGS. 11-14. In this exemplary
embodiment, the axis of rotation 26 of the channel 12 is located at
the remote end 20 of channel 12. A line 30 is attached to the
channel 12 at a location of the channel 12 close to the wall 16. An
engagement member 22 is shown extending from the side of the
channel 12 a short distance. The line 30 can be attached to the
engagement member 22 through a rigid or rotating connection. A
spring 28 is attached to the channel 12 and to the mounting member
24. In other embodiments, the spring 28 can be attached to the
channel 12 and to the structure to which the gutter system 10 is
installed. The spring 28 is biased so as to draw the channel 12
against an end stop 56. In this manner, the top of the end 18 of
channel 12 contacts the bottom of the end stop 56 and is prevented
from further rotating about the axis of revolution 26. However, in
accordance with other exemplary embodiments, the end stop 56 need
not be present. For example, the spring 28 can be arranged so that
the channel 12 is pulled against the spring 28 to thus be prevented
from further rotating. As shown in FIG. 11, springs 28 are located
on opposite sides of the channel 12. However, as previously
mentioned, certain exemplary embodiments exist in which a spring 28
is located on only one side of the channel 12.
[0048] A user may grasp line 30 and apply a force F thereon in
order to pull the channel 12 from the water catching orientation.
FIG. 13 shows the channel 12 after it has rotated approximately
90.degree.. The channel 12 rotates from the water catching
orientation so that the interior 44 of the channel 12 faces a
portion 46 of the wall 16 proximate to which the channel 12 is
mounted. The user may continue to apply a Force F to the line 30
which in turn will pull the channel 12 into the inverted position
shown in FIG. 14 so that the interior 44 of the channel 12 faces
the ground allowing and debris 54 present in channel 12 to fall
therefrom. The spring 28 may be arranged so that once a certain
point is reached in the rotation of the channel 12 the spring 28
acts to pull the channel 12 into the inverted position. A second
stop 58 is present and is mounted to the mounting member 24. The
bottom of the channel 12 engages the bottom of the second stop 58
and is prevented from further rotating about the axis of rotation
26. In this position, the spring 28 functions to draw the channel
12 against the second stop 58 and prevent the channel 12 from
rotating out of the inverted position. The user may relax his or
her grip on the line 30 for a desired amount of time so that debris
54 can fall out of the channel 12.
[0049] Once the user desires to rotate the channel 12 back into the
water catching orientation, a force F may be applied by the user
onto line 30. The user can walk toward the structure or otherwise
position the line 30 so that the force F is applied in the
direction as shown in FIG. 14. This application of force F
functions to rotate the channel 12 out of the inverted position of
FIG. 14. At a certain point, the force applied by the spring 28
will act to draw the channel 12 back into the water catching
position initially illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. At this time,
the user may relax his or her grip on the line 30 as the
application of force F is no longer needed. The line 30 may be a
line that can be grasped by a user as the arrangement requires a
change in the orientation of the force F applied to the line 30
depending upon the desired direction of travel of the channel 12.
However, it is to be understood that an appropriate mechanism may
be arranged at the ground or on the structure to allow for the line
30 to be actuated in the required directions to enable rotation of
the channel 12.
[0050] The channel 12 may need to be arranged with other elements
in the gutter system 10 of the structure so that water falling into
the channel 12 can be appropriately directed. For example, a
downspout 48 is often employed with cross-channels 12 that lay
along the perimeter of the roof 14 of the structure. In one
version, the channel 12 may have an open end and the downspout 48
can be located at the open end of the channel 12. Water in the
channel 12 can flow out of the open end of the channel 12 and into
the downspout 48 that is located next to the open end of the
channel 12. In this manner, the channel 12 can be rotated while the
position of the downspout 48 remains fixed with respect to the
structure. In other arrangements, however, the downspout 48 is
located at some point along the length of the channel 12 as
illustrated, for example, in FIG. 15. Water may accumulate in the
channel 12 on both sides of the downspout 48 and drain therein for
subsequent transfer down the downspout 48 to a desired location
away from the structure. In such instances, the downspout 48 may be
rigidly connected to the structure while the channel 12 is desired
to be rotated thus requiring an appropriate connection between
these two elements.
[0051] In order to accommodate interaction between the fixed
downspout 48 and the rotating channel 12, a downspout fill-in
component 50 can be employed. The downspout fill-in component 50
extends from the mounting member 24 and has a curved portion that
fits into the channel 12 so as to in effect form a portion of the
interior surface 52 of the channel 12. The channel 12 thus has a
complete interior surface 52 so that water in channel 12 can be
drained into the downspout 48 as desired and does not seep out of
the channel 12 at any other part. Rotation of the channel 12 is
illustrated in FIG. 17. Here, the channel 12 rotates about the axis
of rotation 26 that is located at the remote end 20. The channel 12
has an opening or removed portion proximate to the downspout 48 and
located between the downspout 48 and the wall 16 of the structure
to which the gutter system 10 is attached. This opening thus allows
the channel 12 to be rotated so that the fixed downspout 48 does
not interfere therewith. FIG. 18 shows the channel 12 rotated into
a completely inverted orientation. The downspout fill-in component
50 remains rigidly attached to the mounting member 24 and does not
rotate with respect to the channel 12. The channel 12 can be
returned back into the water catching orientation so that the
curved portion of the downspout fill-in component 50 is again
received into the opening of the channel 12 to thus complete the
interior surface 52 of the channel 12.
[0052] The arrangement described in FIGS. 15-18 can be used with
any of the various mechanisms described in the present application
that allow the channel 12 to be rotated in order to allow debris 54
to be removed therefrom. However, it is to be understood that the
arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 15-18 need not be employed with
various exemplary embodiments of the gutter system 10 as desired.
In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments, the channel 12
may rotate from the water catching orientation so that the interior
44 of the channel 12 faces away from the portion 46 of the wall 16
proximate to the channel 12. This direction of initial rotation is
opposite to the direction illustrated in the exemplary embodiment
in FIGS. 15-18. In these instances, the downspout fill-in component
50 can be arranged so as to form a portion of the interior 44 of
the channel 12 on an opposite side of the downspout 48 from that
illustrated in FIGS. 15-18 in order to accommodate the reversed
direction of channel 12 movement.
[0053] FIGS. 19 and 20 show another alternative exemplary
embodiment of the gutter system 10. As shown, an end of the channel
12 is mounted to an engagement member 22. The channel 12 may be
welded, integrally formed therewith, or attached to the engagement
member 22 through the use of mechanical fasteners in accordance
with various exemplary embodiments. The engagement member 22 has a
disk shaped portion 64 that has an axis of rotation that is coaxial
with the axis of rotation 26 of the channel 12. The mounting member
24 extends from the structure to which the gutter system 10 is
attached and rotationally mounts the engagement member 22 thereto.
The axis of rotation 26 of the channel 12 is located between the
ends 18 and 20 of the channel 12. Further, the axis of rotation 26
of the channel 12 is located above the ends 18 and 20 of channel
12.
[0054] The engagement member 22 includes a projecting portion 66
that extends from the disk shaped portion 64. An end of line 30 can
be attached to the projecting portion 66. Line 30 may extend from
the projecting portion 66 and may engage and be received within a
groove on the outer surface of the disk shaped portion 64. Line 30
can be retained around a directional pulley 36 and may be attached
to a winch 38 that is motorized or hand actuated. Alternatively,
the line 30 can be simply pulled by a user or arranged in various
manners are previously discussed. A force can be applied to the
line 30 in order to effect rotation of the channel 12. In this
regard, the channel 12 will be rotated from the water catching
orientation so that the interior 44 of the channel 12 faces away
from a portion 46 of the wall 16 proximate to the channel 12. The
channel 12 can be continually rotated to a position so that debris
54 may fall therefrom. A spring 28 engages and urges the disk
shaped portion 64 back into the water catching orientation. In this
manner, force may only be needed to be applied to the line 30 in a
single direction to effect rotation. The force can be removed or
reduced in degree so that the spring force from spring 28 can urge
the engagement member 22 and thus channel 12 back into the water
catching orientation.
[0055] The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 has
a plurality of rollers 68 that engage the bottom of the channel 12.
The rollers 68 can extend from either the mounting member 24 or
from the structure to which the gutter system 10 is employed. The
channel 12 can have a curved bottom surface to accommodate rotation
of the channel 12. The plurality of rollers 68 support the channel
12 along its length. The rollers 68 can have an axis of rotation
that is located directly below the axis of rotation 26 of the
channel 12. In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments,
rotation of the channel 12 need not be effected by the line 30 or
engagement member 22 which need not be present. Here, the plurality
of rollers 68 may be motorized. Actuation of the rollers 68 will
cause the channel 12 to be rotated about the axis of rotation 26.
The direction of rotation of the rollers 68 can be reversed in
order to swing the channel 12 back into its original position.
[0056] FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative exemplary embodiment of
the gutter system 10. In this exemplary embodiment, the channel 12
has a round outer surface. A groove 70 is present on the outer
surface of the channel 12 that is configured for receipt of the
line 30. An engagement member 22 extends from the remote end 20 of
the channel 12. The engagement member 22 may be integrally formed
with the channel 12 or may be a separate component that is attached
thereto. An end of line 30 is attached to the engagement member 22
in order to urge the channel 12 to rotate about the axis of
rotation 26. The direction of rotation of the channel 12 can be the
same as that previously described with respect to the exemplary
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 10.
[0057] The groove 70 is provided in order to provide a smooth
running of the line 30 across the bottom surface of channel 12 when
the channel 12 is rotated in order to remove debris 54. The groove
70 may extend along the entire outer surface of the channel 12, or
may extend around a portion thereof. For example, the groove 70 can
be sized so that it extends around the portions of channel 12 that
are contacted by the line 30 during turning of the channel 12.
[0058] As previously mentioned, the various components of the
gutter system 10 are typically shown as being on one side of the
channel 12 in the described embodiments. It is to be understood,
however, that the various components can be located on both sides
of the channel 12 in accordance with various exemplary embodiments.
Such an arrangement may provide additional stability to the gutter
system 10 or may provide a back up or alternative means of
actuation of rotation of the channel 12.
[0059] While the present invention has been described in connection
with certain preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the
subject matter encompassed by way of the present invention is not
to be limited to those specific embodiments. On the contrary, it is
intended for the subject matter of the invention to include all
alternatives, modifications and equivalents as can be included
within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
* * * * *