U.S. patent application number 13/494569 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-04 for gutter filter.
This patent application is currently assigned to American Gutter Filter, Inc.. Invention is credited to Ken Konkey.
Application Number | 20120247031 13/494569 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42311021 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120247031 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Konkey; Ken |
October 4, 2012 |
GUTTER FILTER
Abstract
A rain gutter filter apparatus and method utilize a filter
element of a reticulated foam material adapted for insertion into a
gutter having an open top defining a top width of the gutter. The
filter element has a flat top surface with a width substantially
matching the top width of the gutter, a bottom surface having a
width less than the top width of the filter element, and front and
rear surfaces extending upward from the bottom surface of the
filter element to thereby form a front and a rear open passage for
water on front and rear sides of the bottom surface of the filter
element when the filter element is installed into the gutter. The
reticulated foam material of the filter element has a composition
that is flame resistant, germicidal, mold resistant, and resistant
to degradation by exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Inventors: |
Konkey; Ken; (East Dundee,
IL) |
Assignee: |
American Gutter Filter,
Inc.
East Dundee
IL
|
Family ID: |
42311021 |
Appl. No.: |
13/494569 |
Filed: |
June 12, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12692469 |
Jan 22, 2010 |
8220206 |
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13494569 |
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12061419 |
Apr 2, 2008 |
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12692469 |
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11107770 |
Apr 15, 2005 |
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12061419 |
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60562649 |
Apr 15, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49826 20150115;
E04D 13/076 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/12 |
International
Class: |
E04D 13/064 20060101
E04D013/064 |
Claims
1. A gutter protection system, comprising; a rain gutter filter
apparatus installed in a gutter, the gutter having an open top
defining a top width of the gutter, the filter apparatus
comprising, a filter element of reticulated foam material having a
top surface thereof with a width substantially matching the top
width of the gutter, a bottom surface having a width less than the
width of the top surface of the filter element, and front and rear
surfaces thereof extending upward from the bottom surface, forming
a front and a rear open passage for water to the front and rear of
the bottom surface, the front open passage defined between the
front surface and the gutter, the rear open passage defined between
the rear surface and the gutter.
2. The system of claim 1, comprising multiple filter elements
disposed end to end with one another in the gutter.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the filter element is comprised
of a reticulated foam having a composition that is flame resistant,
germicidal, mold resistant, and resistant to degradation by
exposure to ultraviolet rays.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the reticulated foam provides a
cell count in the range of 20 to 40 cells per inch.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the reticulated foam material
provides a cell count of approximately 30 plus or minus 6 cells per
inch.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface, when the
bottom surface is supported on a corresponding bottom wall of the
gutter.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the filter element is comprised
of reticulated foam having a composition that is flame resistant,
germicidal, mold resistant, and resistant to degradation by
exposure to ultraviolet rays.
8. A gutter protection system comprising: a reticulated foam insert
adapted to fit within a gutter and further having at least
substantially the same width as the gutter, and the foam insert
comprising an antimicrobial additive and a fire retardant
additive.
9. A gutter protection system as described in claim 8, wherein the
antimicrobial additive is incorporated in the reticulated foam.
10. A gutter protection system as described in claim 8, wherein the
reticulated foam meets the fire resistance requirements from
government specifications delineated in FMVSS-302.
11. A gutter protection system as described in claim 8, wherein the
antimicrobial additive comprises a bactericide and a fungicide.
12. A gutter protection system as described in claim 8, the foam
insert further comprising a UV stabilizer additive.
13. A gutter protection system as described in claim 12, wherein
the UV stabilizer additive is incorporated in the reticulated
foam.
14. A gutter protection system as described in claim 13, wherein:
the gutter has an open top defining the width of the gutter; and
the reticulated foam insert comprises a filter element of
reticulated foam material having a top surface thereof with a width
substantially matching the width of the gutter, a bottom thereof
having a width less than the width of the top surface of the filter
element, to thereby form a passage for water in the gutter around
the bottom of the filter element below the top of foam insert when
the filter element is installed into the gutter.
15. A gutter protection system as described in claim 8, wherein the
reticulated foam comprises reticulated polyurethane foam.
16. A gutter protection system as described in claim 8, wherein the
reticulated foam comprises reticulated polyether foam.
17. A gutter protection system as described in claim 8, wherein:
the gutter has an open top defining the width of the gutter; and
the reticulated foam insert comprises a filter element of
reticulated foam material having a top surface thereof with a width
substantially matching the width of the gutter, a bottom thereof
having a width less than the width of the top surface of the filter
element, to thereby form a passage for water in the gutter around
the bottom of the filter element below the top of foam insert when
the filter element is installed into the gutter.
18. A gutter protection system as described in claim 8, the foam
insert further comprising a color additive.
19. A gutter protection system as described in claim 12, the foam
insert further comprising a color additive.
20. A gutter protection system comprising: a reticulated foam
insert adapted to fit within a gutter and further having at least
substantially the same width as the gutter, and the foam insert
comprising a UV stabilizer additive and a fire retardant
additive.
21. A gutter protection system as described in claim 20, wherein
the UV stabilizer additive is incorporated in the reticulated
foam.
22. A gutter protection system as described in claim 21, wherein
the fire retardant additive is incorporated into the reticulated
foam.
23. A gutter protection system as described in claim 22, wherein
the reticulated foam meets the fire resistance requirements from
government specifications delineated in FMVSS-302.
24. A gutter protection system as described in claim 20, wherein
the reticulated foam meets the fire resistance requirements from
government specifications delineated in FMVSS-302.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a continuation of co-pending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/692,469, filed Jan. 22, 2010, which
is a continuation-in-part of now abandoned U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/061,419, filed Apr. 2, 2008, which is a
continuation-in-part of now abandoned U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/107,770, filed Apr. 15, 2005, and claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/562,649, filed Apr. 15, 2004,
the entire teachings and disclosures of which are incorporated
herein by reference thereto.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to rain gutters attached to the edge
of a roof, and more particularly to an apparatus for preventing
leaves and other debris from entering such rain gutters.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are many devices on the market that can be attached to
a rain gutter for preventing leaves and other debris from entering
the gutter. Some of these devices utilize a foam filter insert,
formed from an open-cell material, that is inserted into the
gutter. Such foam inserts typically have a top surface that totally
closes off the top opening of the gutter so that leaves and other
debris from the roof slide across the top surface without entering
the gutter, while the water from the roof flows through the foam
insert and into the gutter.
[0004] In U.S. Pat. No. 3,855,132 to Dugan, a filler element made
of a porous foam material, and having a sloped top surface, is
inserted into a gutter, so that water cascading into the gutter
from a sloped roof, and carrying foreign debris from the roof,
flows across the sloped top surface of the foam insert. The water
flows through the foam in a vertical direction and then along the
gutter in a horizontal direction to a downspout or other device for
exit from the gutter. The debris is trapped on the surface of the
foam filler and either dries and is blown away or is brushed off of
the surface of the foam filler.
[0005] Dugan discloses embodiments wherein the foam filler occupies
the entire volume defined by the gutter walls, and other
embodiments where a space or open-passageway is left between the
foam filler and the bottom of the gutter, so as to allow for a
freer flow of liquid below the porous section of the foam filler
while still achieving the debris blocking advantages of the porous
nature of the foam filler. Dugan discloses that such an
open-passageway configuration may be achieved by forming the filler
with a precut slot on its lower side, or by forming the filler in a
size smaller than the depth of the gutter and providing spaced
support along the length of the gutter to support the filler and to
maintain the open passageway between it and the bottom of the
gutter.
[0006] Dugan further discloses the use of a porous foam, preferably
of a polyurethane variety, with a suitable foam providing a 95%
void volume with an average of 10 pores per lineal inch.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,514 to Weller, discloses a liner for a
rain gutter comprising a body of porous solid material which is
installed in the gutter to form an upper barrier surface. The
barrier surface has a plurality of undulations. Longitudinally
extending projections at the side portions of the body function as
sealing structures to seal the liner with the gutter sidewalls. The
liner and gutter form a single lower longitudinally extending
liquid passageway. Liquid passes through the liner to the
passageway, while debris remains on the upstream side of the
barrier surface. Weller also discloses that a gutter liner, in
accordance with his invention, may be composed of polyurethane foam
or other similar materials.
[0008] Other types of foam gutter fillers and inserts are also
known which are fabricated from a polyether material.
[0009] Prior foam gutter filter inserts suffer from several
significant problems, however. Some prior foam filter inserts have
been shown to have inadequate fire resistance. This is particularly
true for prior foam inserts made from polyether material which is
not fire resistant, and is therefore readily ignited by sparks from
burning leaves or fireplaces. Polyether material also has a
tendency to form a hard crust on the top surface, due to exposure
to sunlight and the environment. When the hard crust forms, the
color of the foam insert changes from a dark color that is
conducive to melting snow and ice when warmed by the sun, to a
light color which does not effectively melt snow and ice when
exposed to the sun. Materials used in prior foam gutter inserts
also do not provide resistance to mold, and are not germicidal,
factors which lead to reduced performance and unacceptably
shortened operating life of the insert.
[0010] The ability of prior foam gutter inserts to pass an adequate
amount of water during a heavy rain, and to allow a sufficient
volume of water to flow through the gutter beneath the foam insert,
to avoid overflowing the gutter, is less than adequate. In
addition, the cross-sectional shapes of prior foam gutter filters
are not conducive to fitting readily within standard gutter shapes,
and do not provide sufficient structural stability to avoid being
tipped over or deformed during a heavy rain, or where snow and ice
may have built up on the edges of the roof.
[0011] What is needed, therefore, is an improved foam gutter filter
for preventing leaves and debris from entering the gutter,
overcoming one or more of the problems described above.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The invention provides an improved rain gutter filter
apparatus, for insertion in a gutter having an open top defining a
top width of the gutter, through use of a filter element of a
reticulated foam material having a flat top surface thereof with a
width substantially matching the top width of the gutter, a bottom
surface having a width less than the top width, and front and rear
surfaces thereof extending upward from the bottom surface, to
thereby form a front and rear open passage for water on the front
and rear sides of the bottom surface when the filter element is
installed into the gutter.
[0013] The front and rear sides may include portions thereof which
are angled or curvilinear in shape and orientation with respect to
the bottom surface.
[0014] A filter apparatus, according to the invention, may include
multiple filter elements adapted to be disposed end to end with one
another in the gutter.
[0015] In one form of the invention, a gutter filter element is
comprised of a reticulated foam having a composition that is flame
resistant, germicidal, mold resistant, and resistant to degradation
by exposure to ultraviolet rays. The reticulated foam may provide a
cell count in the range of 20 to 40 cells per inch. In some forms
of the invention, the reticulated foam material may provide a cell
count of approximately 30.+-.6 cells per inch.
[0016] In some forms of the invention, a filter element may be
configured to balance on the bottom surface of the filter element,
when the bottom surface is supported on a horizontal surface.
[0017] In some forms of the invention, a filter element may be
configured for compressible insertion across a top surface of the
gutter, and configured to be supported by gutter hangers extending
through a cut in the gutter filter.
[0018] In some forms of the invention, a filter element may have a
top surface thereof which is inclined in such a manner that a rear
edge of the top surface closely abuts the shingles or other roofing
material covering the roof, with the upper surface sloping downward
away from the edge of the roof to the front edge of the gutter, to
thereby facilitate debris washing across the top of the filter
element.
[0019] In some forms of the invention, a filter element may be
configured to have a T-shaped cross-section, with a top portion of
the T being configured for compressible insertion across the top of
the gutter, with the T-shaped cross-section further defining a
stiffening and rib-like support leg portion extending downwardly
from the top of the filter element into the gutter, when the top of
the gutter filter is installed across the opening at the top of the
gutter. In some forms of the invention, the downwardly-extending
leg has a bottom surface thereof which contacts a bottom surface of
the gutter, to provide additional support for the filter element in
the gutter. In other embodiments of the invention, the bottom
surface of the downwardly-extending leg is suspended above the
bottom surface of the gutter, but still serves to define a front
and a rear open passage for water on the front and rear sides
respectively of the downwardly-extending leg.
[0020] The invention may also take the form of a method for
installing a rain gutter filter apparatus according to the
invention. A method, according to the invention, may include
installing the filter element into the gutter prior to attaching
the gutter to a roof.
[0021] In various forms of the invention, a gutter filter apparatus
or method according to the invention, provides one or more of the
following properties and advantages:
[0022] A no clog filtering membrane with a high porosity rate
having no capability of clogging and or impeding the flow of
rainwater.
[0023] A product that sheds water like a sieve, with completely
open pores that permit extremely rapid drainage (in excess of 20''
of rainfall per hour) permitting maximum water drainage and air
circulation for fast drying. Less than 15 percent of the water is
retained in the foam, and evaporates within a relatively short
period of time.
[0024] Falling debris, tree limbs, seedpods, high winds, maple tree
helicopters, snow or ice will not damage this product. The no clog
filtering membrane resists the build up of snow and ice formations
inside the gutter.
[0025] A fibrous membrane with a characteristic heat absorbent dark
color, which enhances the natural process of the melting of snow or
ice.
[0026] A product with form fit and function allowing no impedance
into the existing roofing structure. A product installed under the
existing gutter brackets that provides full enclosure of the gutter
surface.
[0027] An assembly of elongated pads of fibrous material mounted
flush on the inside of a gutter system extending the length and
width of said gutter extraction system. Protecting the roof
warranty uses no nails, screws or hardware of any kind in the
installation process.
[0028] A product that completely fills and seals the top of the
gutter with a flush fit preventing any accumulation of foreign
debris inside the gutter that would impede the flow of water.
[0029] Proper installation presents a product presentation
invisible from ground level and worry free from damage from falling
debris.
[0030] A UV stabilizer has been added to stabilize and inhibit
material break down from ultraviolet light.
[0031] A product with a built in Germicidal Additives to inhibit
Microbiological growth such as, fungus and mildew inside the gutter
system.
[0032] The extremely high filtration rate virtually eliminates the
mosquito threat posed by standing water, for properly installed
gutters.
[0033] The no clog filtering membrane installed inside the gutter
eliminates nesting areas for bees, wasp's hornets and birds.
[0034] This filtering membrane eliminates the need to clean a
gutter of accumulating debris, because debris will not clog or pass
thru the membrane to accumulate and eventually clog a gutter. No
preventative maintenance is required with this product. This
product helps eliminate the damage caused by wet debris and
standing water trapped by debris in the gutter system.
[0035] The high porosity rate of the no clog filtering membrane
will help eliminate the overflowing of rainwater over the edge of
the existing gutter system. The highest rates of rainfall are
accepted into the gutter system and are directed to the downspout
for fast and efficient water extraction.
[0036] The filtering membrane is easily installed and can be
removed and reinstalled, as circumstances require.
[0037] Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention
will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a rain gutter, attached
to a sloped roof, and having installed therein a rain gutter filter
apparatus according to the invention.
[0039] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary filter element
of FIG. 1, prior to installation of the filter element into the
gutter.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the filter element shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0041] FIGS. 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views of alternate
embodiments of filter elements, according to the invention, having
curved front and rear surfaces.
[0042] FIGS. 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views of embodiments of
filter elements, according to the invention, having sloped top
surfaces.
[0043] FIGS. 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views of exemplary
embodiments of filter elements, according to the invention, having
curved front and rear surfaces and sloped top surfaces.
[0044] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the rain gutter and
sloped roof, shown in FIG. 1, having a gutter filter similar to the
embodiment shown in FIG. 6 installed in the rain gutter.
[0045] FIGS. 11A-11F are orthographic first and second end views,
and several perspective views of a T-shaped gutter filter
apparatus, according to the invention.
[0046] FIGS. 12-14 are schematic illustrations of three
installations showing the T-shaped gutter filter apparatus of FIGS.
11A-11F installed in a gutter.
[0047] FIGS. 15A-15F illustrate a variation of the T-shaped gutter
filter apparatus of FIGS. 11A-11F, showing that three corner areas
of the T-shaped apparatus may have a variety of alternate
configurations and shapes, in accordance with the invention.
[0048] While the invention will be described in connection with
certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to
those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all
alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0049] FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a rain gutter
filter apparatus 10, according to the invention, for insertion into
a gutter 12 attached to a sloped roof 14. The gutter 12 includes an
open top 16 defining a top width 18 of the gutter 12. The gutter 12
further defines a flat bottom surface 20 thereof.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the filter apparatus 10 includes a
filter element 22 of reticulated foam material, having a flat top
surface 24, with a width substantially matching the top width 18 of
the gutter 12. The first exemplary embodiment of the filter element
22 also includes a flat bottom surface 26, having a width less than
the top width of the filter element 22, and front and rear surfaces
28, 30 extending upward from the bottom surface 26, to thereby form
a front and a rear open passage 32, 34 for water to the front and
rear of the bottom surface 26, when the filter element 22 is
installed into the gutter 12 with the top surface 24 of the filter
element 22 extending completely across the open top width 18 of the
gutter 12, and the bottom surface 26 of the filter element resting
on the bottom surface 20 of the gutter 12.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, in the first exemplary embodiment of the
rain gutter filter apparatus 10, the filter element is formed by an
appropriate method, such as hot-wire cutting, to form the various
surfaces described above, and to a convenient length, such as 48''.
In the first exemplary embodiment of the rain gutter filter
apparatus 10, multiple filter elements 22 are disposed end to end
with one another in the gutter 12, to provide protection against
the entry of foreign debris into the gutter along the entire length
of the gutter. In other embodiments of the invention, however, it
may be desirable to provide a filter element, in accordance with
the invention, in the form of an elongated rolls for insertion into
the gutter 12. It is also contemplated, that in some embodiments of
the invention, a filter element according to the invention may be
installed into the gutter 12, prior to attaching the gutter 12 to
the roof 14.
[0052] In the first exemplary embodiment of the filter element 22,
the front surface 22 of the filter element angles upward to join
the front end of the top surface of the filter element, whereas the
rear surface 30, includes a first angled portion 30a and a second
vertical portion 30b thereof. In other embodiments of the
invention, the front and rear surfaces 28, 30 of the filter element
22 may take other forms, but in any event it is preferred that,
whatever form the front and rear surfaces 28, 30 might take, that
the filter element 22 have a center of gravity positioned such that
the filter element will balance on the bottom surface 26, when the
bottom surface 26 is supported on a horizontal surface, such as the
bottom surface 20 of the gutter 12. (See, for example, FIGS. 4-9).
With the filter element 22 configured in this manner, to balance on
the bottom surface 26, stability of the filter element within the
gutter 12 is significantly improved, in comparison to prior foam
gutter fillers. In addition, in embodiments of a filter element 22
according to the invention having a portion 30b of the rear surface
30 oriented substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 26,
and configured to bear against a rear surface 36 of the gutter 12,
the filter element 22 exhibits a very high stability within the
gutter 12, while still providing substantially more space for flow
of water through the gutter in the front and rear open passages 32,
34, as compared to prior foam gutter fillers.
[0053] In a preferred embodiment of a rain gutter filter apparatus
10, according to the invention, the filter element 22 is comprised
of a reticulated foam having a composition that is flame resistant,
germicidal, mold resistant, and resistant to degradation by
exposure to ultraviolet rays. One foam product meeting such
requirement is a reticulated graft polyether foam marketed under
the trade name EZ-DRI 1835UV, by Crest Foam Industries, Inc., of
Moonachie, N.J. The EZ-DRI 1835UV material, preferred in practicing
the invention, has a nominal density of 1.8 lbs/cu.ft. and an IPD
of 28, and is manufactured with a UV stabilizer package. In a
preferred embodiment of the invention, a filter element, according
to the invention, is wire cut from buns of the EZ-DRI 1835UV
material. Additional properties of the EZ-DRI 1835UV material are
tabulated below.
TABLE-US-00001 SPECIFICATION FOR EZ-DRI 1835UV Property Value
Method Density 1.8 +/- 0.10 ASTM D 3574-91 Compression Set @ 50%
20% loss, max. ASTM D 3574-91 Deflection 25% CFD Not Specified NA
25% IFD 26 .+-. 6 ASTM D 3574-91 55% IFD Not Specified ASTM D
3574-91 Sag Factor 1.8 nominal ASTM D 3574-91 25% CLD Autoclave
Loss 26%, max. ASTM D 8574-91 Compression Set @ 50% 10%, max. ASTM
D 3571-91 Deflection Autoclave Loss Tensile Strength 20 .+-. 4
lb./in. min. ASTM D 3874-91 Tensile Strength Dry Heat Loss 15%,
max. ASTM D 3874-91 Elongation @ Break 150%, min. ASTM D 3574-81
Tear Strength 5.0 lb/in. min. ASTM D 3574-91 Volumetric Air Flow
Rate 14 .+-. 3.0 ctm ASTM D 3574-91 FR Classification FMVSS 302
FMVSS-302 Germicidal Additive UltraFresh NA UV Stabilizer Yes
[0054] It is desirable to form a filter element, according to the
invention from a reticulated foam material having a dark color,
such as black, charcoal, or dark brown, to facilitate absorption of
ultraviolet rays for melting snow and ice off of the gutter filter.
In general, the gutter filter material is not visible from the
ground once it is install within the gutter. For aesthetic
purposes, however, in applications where the filter element may be
observed from an upper floor above the gutter, other embodiments of
a gutter filter, according to the invention, may be formed from a
reticulated foam having colors other than those which would be most
conducive to absorption of ultraviolet rays.
[0055] Those having skill in the art will appreciate, that the
preferred material for fabricating a filter element, according to
the invention, meets the flame resistance standards of FMVSS 302.
No prior foam gutter filler meets such stringent standards for fire
resistance.
[0056] In fact, the present invention has achieved considerable
commercial success due in part to the flame resistant standards of
filter elements constructed in accordance with the invention to
meet flame resistant standards such as FMVSS 302. Customers have
provided the inventor of the present invention with testimonial
evidence stating that they have removed prior foam gutter filter
products, and replaced them with filter elements according to the
invention, solely on the basis of the results of independent flame
testing performed by the customer comparing, side-by-side, the
prior foam gutter filter products with a filter element according
to the invention.
[0057] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the herein-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
[0058] For example, FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively, show additional
exemplary embodiments of filter elements 122, 222 of reticulated
foam material, including flat top surfaces 124, 224 having a width
substantially matching the top width of a gutter (not shown) into
which the filter element is to be installed. The exemplary
embodiments of the filter elements 122, 222 also include a flat
bottom surface 126, 226 having a width less than the top width of
the filter elements 122, 222, and front and rear surfaces (128,
130) (228, 230) extending upward from the bottom surfaces 126, 226
to thereby form front and rear open passages for water to the front
and rear of the bottom surfaces 126, 226 when the filter element
122, 222 are installed into a gutter with the top surfaces 124, 224
of the filter element 122, 222 extending completely across the open
top width of the gutter, and the bottom surface 126, 226 of the
filter element 122, 222 resting on the bottom surface of the
gutter. It will be noted that in the filter elements 122, 124 shown
in FIGS. 4 and 5, the front surfaces 128, 228 and a portion 130a,
230a of the rear surfaces 130, 230 respectively are curvilinear in
shape, rather than being straight angled sides as was the case in
the first exemplary embodiment of the filter element 22 shown in
FIGS. 1-3.
[0059] FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively, show additional exemplary
embodiments of filter elements 322, 422 of reticulated foam
material, including flat top surfaces 324, 424 having a width
substantially matching the top width of a gutter (not shown) into
which the filter element is to be installed. The exemplary
embodiments of the filter elements 322, 422 also include a flat
bottom surface 326, 426 having a width less than the top width of
the filter elements 322, 422, and front and rear surfaces (328,
330) (428, 430) extending upward from the bottom surfaces 326, 426
to thereby form front and rear open passages for water to the front
and rear of the bottom surfaces 326, 426 when the filter element
322, 422 are installed into a gutter with the top surfaces 324, 424
of the filter element 322, 422 extending completely across the open
top width of the gutter, and the bottom surface 326, 426 of the
filter element 322, 422 resting on the bottom surface of the
gutter. It will be noted that in the filter elements 322, 324 shown
in FIGS. 4 and 5, the front surfaces 328, 428 and a portion 330a,
430a of the rear surfaces 330, 430 respectively are straight angled
sides as was the case in the first exemplary embodiment of the
filter element 22 shown in FIGS. 1-3. It will be further noted that
the top surfaces 324, 424 are sloped with respect to the bottom
surfaces 326, 426 and the bottom of the gutter 12, as shown in FIG.
10.
[0060] FIGS. 8 and 9, respectively, show additional exemplary
embodiments of filter elements 522, 622 of reticulated foam
material, including flat top surfaces 524, 624 having a width
substantially matching the top width of a gutter (not shown) into
which the filter element is to be installed. The exemplary
embodiments of the filter elements 522, 622 also include a flat
bottom surface 526, 626 having a width less than the top width of
the filter elements 522, 622, and front and rear surfaces (528,
530) (628, 630) extending upward from the bottom surfaces 526, 626
to thereby form front and rear open passages for water to the front
and rear of the bottom surfaces 526, 626 when the filter element
522, 622 are installed into a gutter with the top surfaces 524, 624
of the filter element 522, 622 extending completely across the open
top width of the gutter, and the bottom surface 526, 626 of the
filter element 522, 622 resting on the bottom surface of the
gutter. It will be noted that in the filter elements 522, 524 shown
in FIGS. 4 and 5, the front surfaces 528, 628 and a portion 530a,
630a of the rear surfaces 530, 630 respectively are curvilinear in
shape, rather than being straight angled sides as was the case in
the first exemplary embodiment of the filter element 22 shown in
FIGS. 1-3, and the top surfaces 524, 624 are sloped.
[0061] FIG. 10 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a rain gutter
filter apparatus 1000, according to the invention, which is
essentially identical to the first exemplary embodiment of the rain
gutter filter apparatus 10, as described above with reference to
FIG. 1, with the exception that in the second exemplary embodiment
1000 a filter element 322, substantially as shown in FIG. 6, having
a sloped upper surface 324 is installed in the gutter 12. As shown
in FIG. 10, the sloped upper surface 324 extends upward to a point
of substantial contact with the sloped roof 114, to thereby provide
additional impetus to leaves, or other debris being washed off of
the roof 14, to more readily be washed off of the top surface 324
of the filter element 322.
[0062] FIGS. 11A-11F, show a T-shaped exemplary embodiment of a
rain gutter filter apparatus 1100, according to the invention.
FIGS. 12-14 show the T-shaped exemplary embodiment of the rain
gutter filter apparatus 1100 installed in a gutter 12.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 11A, the T-shaped gutter filter apparatus
1100 has a top portion 1102 and a downwardly-extending rib portion
1104. The top portion 1102 of the rain gutter insert 1100 includes
the top surface 1106 of the gutter insert 1100, and has front and
rear corner portions 1108, 1110 thereof which are configured to
interface compressively with the gutters 12 and at a front corner
1108 of the top portion 1102, and with the gutter and/or a portion
of the roof or building structure at the rear corner 1110 of the
upper portion 1102.
[0064] The downwardly-extending rib portion 1104 of the gutter
filter apparatus 1100 is defined by the bottom surface 1112 and the
front and rear surfaces 1114, 1116 of the T-shaped gutter filter
apparatus 1100. As shown in FIGS. 11A-11B, and FIGS. 12-14, the
T-shaped gutter filter apparatus 1100 has a sloped upper surface
1106, and curvilinear front and rear surfaces 1114, 1116. It will
be understood, by those having skill in the art, that in other
embodiments of the invention a T-shaped filter apparatus, according
to the invention, may have a top surface 1106 which is not flat and
either or both of the front and rear surface 1114 and 1116 may be
angled rather than curvilinear as illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11F.
[0065] As indicated by dashed lines in FIGS. 15A-15F, It will be
further understood, that in other embodiments of the invention the
corners 1108, 1110, and the bottom surface 112 of a T-shaped insert
1100 may be pointed, curved, angled, straight, in any configuration
or combination in accordance with the invention.
[0066] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the invention
in which the T-shaped exemplary gutter filter 1100 is installed
into a gutter 12 with the front and rear corners 1108, 1110 of the
upper portion 1102 held between contacting the front of the gutter
12 and the roof structure and rear wall of the gutter 12. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the bottom surface 1112 of the
downwardly-extending rib portion 1104 is also compressively
contacting the bottom surface 20 of the gutter 12.
[0067] FIG. 13 shows an exemplary embodiment of the invention which
is essentially identical to the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, except
that the bottom surface 1112 of the downwardly-extending rib
portion 1104 does not contact the bottom surface 20 of the gutter
12. The embodiment shown in FIG. 13, depicts a situation in which
the gutter 12 is so deep that the bottom surface 1112 of the
T-shaped filter 1100 does not extend far enough below the top
portion 1102 for the bottom surface 1112 of the insert 1100 to
contact the bottom surface 20 of the gutter 12. It will be
appreciated that even with this arrangement, the T-shaped gutter
filter 1100 essentially divides the interior of the gutter 12 into
a front and a rear passage of water 32, 34.
[0068] FIG. 14 is an exemplary embodiment of the invention which is
substantially identical to the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, with
the exception that the T-shaped gutter filter apparatus 1100 is
supported by a gutter hanger, illustrated in FIG. 14 by a standard
gutter nail and ferrule arrangement 1120. With such an embodiment,
the T-shaped gutter filter 1100 is sliced from the bottom surface
1112 upward through at least a portion of the downwardly-extending
rib portion 1104, and in some embodiments also partly through the
top portion 1102 of the gutter filter apparatus 1100. The slice in
the gutter filter 1100 is then spread apart and the gutter filter
1100 is pressed down into the open top of the gutter 12 in such a
manner that the front and rear corners 1108, 1110 are compressively
captured between the front inside surface of the gutter and the
roof and rear surface 36 of the gutter, in the same manner as
described previously with regard to FIGS. 12 and 13. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, however, the gutter filter 1100
is also supported by being suspended upon the gutter hanger
arrangement 1120. It will be understood that, although the
embodiment shown in FIG. 14 does not have the bottom surface 1112
of the insert 1100 in contact with the bottom surface 20 of the
gutter 12, in other embodiments of the invention, installed in
accordance otherwise with FIG. 14, the bottom surface 1112 of the
gutter filter 1100 may contact the bottom surface 20 of the gutter
12.
[0069] It will be understood, by those having skill in the art,
that a T-shaped gutter filter 1100, in accordance with the
invention, provides a number of advantages over prior gutter filter
arrangements. Specifically, it will be appreciated that the
addition of the downwardly-extending rib portion 1104 increases the
structural strength and stability of the gutter filter 1100,
without adversely affecting other advantages of the invention, such
as the provision of a substantially open drainage area in the form
of the front and rear flow channels 32, 34.
[0070] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are
merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring
individually to each separate value falling within the range,
unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
* * * * *