Abstract: An elbow is positionable at the lower end of a down spout. A protective strip fabricated of an elastomeric material is positioned over the bottom of the elbow. The strip is fabricated to include an elongated member in a generally C-shaped cross sectional configuration. The elongated member covers a portion of the bottom of the elbow. The protective strip is fabricated to also include an elongated component in a generally C-shaped cross sectional configuration. The elongated component fabricated of a metallic material and is totally encased within the elastomeric material. The component is adapted to be crimped onto the bottom of the elbow.

Abstract: A gutter cover with clip is provided that operates with a variety of gutter styles to capture roof runoff while preventing debris from entering the gutter. The gutter cover is an elongated panel of sufficient width to bridge a roof to the far side of the gutter. A radiused edge is provided to direct roof runoff into the gutter. The clip includes a mounting tab and an upward rising arm. A tooth on the arm positively engages an aperture in the radiused edge to facilitate extremely accurate, fast, and resilient installation of a gutter cover system.

Abstract: A gutter cover system including a gutter cover and a bracket member having a shaft with a wall end having a curved member with a raised profile, and a swivel end; a tab member extending upwardly from the raised profile and forming an outwardly directed slot; and a lip member affixed to the swivel end configured to be mating received within the lip of a gutter. The gutter cover including a planar panel for positioning on the roof, an arcuate nose, and a lower member with a foot configured for matingly inwardly insertion into the slot; the raised profile structured to facilitate installation of the bracket member and installation of the gutter cover on the bracket member.

Abstract: A moisture diversion system is provided for a collapsible structure including a collapsible frame assembly and an outer structure coupled to the collapsible frame assembly. The moisture diversion system includes a guide strip coupled at each of a first edge and an opposing second edge to the outer structure. The guide strip defines a channel between the first edge and the second edge for facilitating diverting moisture from the outer structure.

Abstract: A gutter cap forming tool is provided for use in a method of forming a gutter cap from a sheet stock blank. A roll forming operation is performed to form a reversely-turned arcuate bend in the gutter cap. The gutter cap assembly includes a gutter cap and a bracket that secures the gutter cap to a building and a gutter.

Abstract: A cutter clip and methods for installing a gutter cover onto a gutter system are disclosed. The gutter clip includes a mouth portion sized to provide an interference fit between the gutter cover and the mouth portion of the clip which stationarily secures the gutter cover to the gutter clip. The gutter clip is further provided with a mounting portion that fastens to the lip of a gutter. Once assembled, the gutter clip of the present invention provides minimum horizontal and vertical tolerances between the gutter and the gutter cover, such that water may flow freely into the gutter channel, but does not permit debris to be lodged therein.

Abstract: A gutter debris deflector for preventing debris, such as pine needles, access to a rain gutter attached to a residential home, such gutter debris deflector having an upper portion that is attached to the roof boards of the home and a lower portion that has an upper and a lower set of angular slots forming a plurality of angular rib members therebetween with a spacer portion therebetween, such deflector extending across the gutter to prevent debris from entering therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to the securing of a grid to a gutter. The invention further relates to a gutter, a grid, and a system comprising a gutter, a grid, and a securing mechanism. Also disclosed is a method for producing the gutter according to the invention.

Abstract: A gutter protection system is adapted for covering a gutter and preventing debris from falling into the gutter. The gutter protection system comprises an elongate sheet metal member or panel adapted to engage a portion of the gutter and to cover the gutter. The sheet metal member has a longitudinal axis and a generally smooth top surface interrupted by a plurality of canals and perforations formed therein. Each canal extends down and away from the smooth top surface. The canals are formed from the material of the sheet metal member, each canal formed so that water entering the canal exits through one of the perforations and flows into the gutter below. The canals enable water to move laterally within the canal, thereby increasing the water volume handled by the system without necessarily increasing the number of holes or perforations.

Abstract: A gutter debris cover having an elongated screening element with openings for fluid flow therethrough. Attachment members are provided on either edge of the screening element, with each attachment member having a cross-sectional configuration. In one form, the cross-sectional configurations are mirror images of one another and are generally recurved to connect to gutter elements. In another form of the invention, only the second or rear cross sectional configuration is recurved.

Abstract: A gutter for collecting water from a roof includes a flange having a channel extending along a top edge of the gutter front side. A gutter bracket is positioned entirely within the gutter trough with one end of the gutter bracket and a rear side of the gutter secured to the fascia of a building. An opposing end of the gutter bracket and the front side of the gutter are commonly secured to a screened room frame. A splashguard extends along the front side of the gutter and includes a bottom flange and a rib mating with the channel of the gutter with the flanges fastened together. A splashguard top edge flange has a channel for receiving a spline securing the screening to the splashguard. A splashguard bracket is secured between an upper portion of the splashguard and the gutter bracket.

Abstract: A protective device for use with a gutter to prevent entrance of extraneous matter therein, the gutter having a rear wall, a front wall and a bottom wall which together define an open trough therebetween and wherein the gutter rear wall is designed to be located adjacent to a facia of a building, the protective device having a foraminous planar portion with first and second longitudinally extending sides, the first longitudinally extending side designed to be adjacent the gutter rear wall and having a downwardly extending U-shaped cavity, the cavity being defined by a cavity inner wall and a cavity outer wall, at least one of the cavity walls having apertures therein to permit fluid flow therethrough, and a second longitudinally extending side of the foraminous portion being designed to lie adjacent the gutter front wall.

Abstract: In summary, this invention is a rain gutter debris removal system, including a rain gutter and a debris removal device operable within the gutter. The gutter includes a back wall and a bottom channel member. The debris removal device includes an upright scavenging blade mounted within and lengthwise of the channel for movement between a home position retracted against the back wall, and an extended forward position across the channel. An actuator moves the scavenging blade between home and extended positions, whereby to expel debris from the channel. The scavenging blade includes a wiper blade along its bottom for wiping engagement with the gutter channel. The actuator includes a reciprocable expansible chamber device positioned between the back wall and the scavenging blade, and connected to the back wall for pivotal movement up and down, the wiper blade thereby maintaining wiping engagement with the gutter channel as the blade traverses the channel.

Abstract: A wall panel 100 has an elongate hollow body portion 102 having a storage cavity 103 provided therein for retaining water. The body portion 102 has a rectangular cross-section defined by an inner wall 104 and an outer wall 106 held in spaced apart relation by two side walls 108a and 108b. Each side wall 108 is adapted to be joined to the side wall 108 of an adjacent wall panel 100? so as to form a wall tank 110 for a building. Each wall panel 100 thus forms a structural component of the wall 110, which is sufficiently strong to support a roof structure 112 thereon. The side walls 108 are provided with an opening 120 therein, adapted to align with a matching opening 120? in the side wall 108? of an adjacent wall panel 100?, to permit the communication of water from the cavity 103 in one wall panel to the cavity 103? in the adjacent wall panel. The storage cavity 103 is bounded at the top by a lid 132 and at the bottom by a base tray 130.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotatable gutter support assembly that can rotate the gutter from an operational position where the gutter is used to collect and divert water from a roof, to a cleaning or rotated position in which the gutter is sufficiently rotated downwardly so that its inside may be accessed from ground level. The cleaning position then enables one to clean the gutter by using a suitable brush or even simply by hosing with water. The present invention also relates to a gutter system using the above assembly.

Abstract: A gutter dumping assembly is actuatable to rotate a gutter from an initial, upright position to a downwardly-facing dumped position in order to dump debris from the gutter. The actuator is coupled to the gutter support by a flexible structure so that, after the actuator positively forces the gutter to an over-center position, the gutter falls to a dumped position under only the force of gravity. The gutter is supported by a number of spaced brackets, each of which includes an upper leg that is inclined downwardly and forwardly from the rear of the bracket so as to be hidden from view and to channel rainwater falling into the bracket into the gutter as opposed to against the building or outside of the gutter.

Abstract: A foam insert for a rain gutter for a residential dwelling is provided. The foam insert prevents debris such as leaves, pine needles, gravel, and dirt from entering the rain gutter and permits water to pass through the foam and into the gutter. The foam insert has a channel in the outer side to receive the inwardly projecting lip of a gutter when the foam insert is placed into the gutter. As the foam inserts are installed in the gutter, the lip of the gutter is positioned within the channel. The foam is flexible, which permits the foam insert to be bent and maneuvered into position within the gutter. The foam inserts are formed with a pore size of 14 ppi or below. The foam inserts are inexpensive and may be quickly and easily installed or removed from the gutter by a single individual.

Abstract: A roof-mounted actuator of a gutter dumping assembly is actuatable to rotate a gutter from an initial, upright position to a downwardly-facing dumped position in order to dump debris from the gutter. The actuator is coupled to the gutter support by a flexible structure so that, after the actuator positively engages a support for the gutter and forces it to an over-center position, the gutter falls to a dumped position under only the force of gravity.

Abstract: An adjustable gutter hanger apparatus for hanging gutters on a structure, the apparatus having a bendable bracket/strap for fastening to a fascia, rafter, roof, or other surface of the structure is disclosed. The stirrup, which supports a plurality of gutter shapes, is affixed to the bracket/strap, adjustably. The strap of the bracket/strap passes over and captures the gutter. The strap is then adjustably fastened to the opposite side of the gutter, thereby fully entrapping the gutter. Spaced apart orifices in the strap and selectable slots in the stirrup enable the gutter to be selectively hung at the proper angle to a roof.

Abstract: The invention relates to means and methods for maintaining a gutter assembly either in the upward, rain-gathering position or in the downward position under the eaves, where it can be cleaned with a water jet. In the downward position, the gutter assembly remains protected from snow and ice sliding from the roof Brackets fixated to magnetic latches attached to the fascia support the gutter. Closed magnetic latches maintain the gutter assembly in the upward position. Open magnetic latches maintain the gutter assembly in the downward position. Transition from the upward to the downward position, or vice versa, is achieved from the ground by means of a hook and a U-shaped fork attached to a pole. If the gutter is left in the upward position in winter, snow and ice sliding from the roof will push it to the downward position without damaging it.

Abstract: A gutter assembly for collecting and channelling rainwater run-off from a roof structure, including: one or more elongate gutter members; at lease one mounting bracket for pivotably mounting each gutter member at the roof structure such that each gutter member is movable between an in-use collecting and channelling position and a substantially inverted cleaning position; and, at least one actuator which acts on one or more gutter members to move the gutter member by generating a pushing force to pivot the gutter member about the mounting bracket to the cleaning position and pulling force to cause the gutter member to return to the in-use position.

Abstract: Drainage under a deck can be performed by a structure that includes hanging components and corrugated panels. For example, a hanging component can have connected first and second portions, with the first portion being connected to hang from one of the joists and extending downward to where it connects to the second portion, which is below the joist. The second portion can be connected to support of at least one of the panels from above. The upper surfaces of panels are sloped so that drainage occurs from a high part to a low part. The direction of slope and the direction of corrugations are not perpendicular, and can be approximately the same. The hanging components can, for example, be L-shaped brackets, U-shaped, or inverted T-shaped, and can be integrally formed by extrusion of plastic or can be metal. The panels can be corrugated plastic or metal sheets.

Abstract: A guard and associated method for rain gutters includes a cap or deflector extending over a gutter of the type having a trough-shaped interior, a rear wall extending along a roof fascia, and a front lip with a channel and an end flange. A mounting bracket has a rear portion abutting the rear wall of the gutter, an upper portion supporting the deflector, and a front portion with a hook-shaped nose. The mounting bracket nose is configured for insertion under the end flange of the gutter, such that the mounting bracket is rotated rearwardly along a generally vertical arc about the nose toward the rear wall of the gutter, and shifted laterally into a skewed orientation within the gutter interior.

Abstract: A gutter level device for leveling a gutter against a pitched fascia board is provided. The gutter level device includes a clip adapted to attach to a rear wall of the gutter. A selectively formable arm is coupled to a first end of the clip and adapted to bend to a first desired angle. The arm is further adapted to substantially match the pitch of the fascia board. A method for leveling the gutter with the gutter level device is also provided.

Abstract: A gutter shield is disclosed that is for inhibiting debris from entering a gutter while allowing water flow to the gutter. The gutter shield includes a plate member having a top edge for engagement with a roof shingle and having a lower edge for engagement with an outer side of the gutter. The plate member has a series of holes therethrough that enable water to flow through the holes to the gutter therebelow. The gutter shield also includes a cover on the plate member that has open and closed positions, the cover being in the open position to enable access to the gutter for cleaning purposes and being in the closed position to enable water to flow over the cover and a hinge to enable the cover to be moved between open and closed positions thereof.

Abstract: A roof system designed to retain water during storms and release it slowly over a period of time includes a polymeric water impervious membrane covered with a drainage board in turn covered with a water retention mat. The water retention mat and drainage board are held in position by ballast, preferably gravel.

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.

Abstract: A gutter cap forming tool is provided for use in a method of forming a gutter cap from a sheet stock blank. A roll forming operation is performed to form a reversely-turned arcuate bend in the gutter cap. The gutter cap assembly includes a gutter cap and a bracket that secures the gutter cap to a building and a gutter.

Abstract: A roof support structure for a flexible roof for a greenhouse is disclosed. The roof support structure comprises an adjustable roof retention portion and a fixed roof retention portion. At least the adjustable roof retention portion is movable between an initial position and at least one adjusted position, wherein the distance between the two roof retention portions, when the adjustable roof retention portion is in any of the adjusted positions, is different from the distance between the two roof retention portions when the adjustable roof retention portion is in the initial position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for channeling water flowing off the roof of a structure. In one embodiment, the water channeling system includes a gutter, a gutter cover and a clip. The clip is configured to be positioned substantially within the channel defined by the gutter and to engage an inner surface of the gutter lip and a concave portion of the front wall of the gutter. The clip defines an upwardly directed groove that is configured to receive the front edge of the gutter cover.

Abstract: A gutter level device for leveling a gutter against a pitched fascia board is provided. The gutter level device includes a clip adapted to attach to a rear wall of the gutter. A selectively formable arm is coupled to a first end of the clip and adapted to bend to a first desired angle. The arm is further adapted to substantially match the pitch of the fascia board. A method for leveling the gutter with the gutter level device is also provided.

Abstract: A gutter retaining system incorporating a gutter clip with a gutter and retaining member. Retaining member is placed along the eaves. The gutter clip has L-portion and back portion. Back portion includes upper u-portion with hanger for slipping gutter clip over gutter for securing to gutter clip. Gutter clip has nib end with locking tip. Nib end fits within retaining member to secure gutter clip and gutter in place. L-portion fits between the gutter and building where an additional piece of board is included. The gutter clip is scored between the back portion and L-portion allowing separation if needed. A second embodiment provides a retaining member for use with metal flashing. Additional embodiments provided modified retaining members which permit the gutter system to be held against a building with straight fascia, slanted fascia, and trim board and which permit free floating attachment of a debris guard.

Abstract: The suction flat roof drain is deployed on a flat roof between a water accumulating depression on the roof and the edge of the roof. The flat roof drain includes an intake tube section with an open end disposed in the flat roof depression and a raised tube element spaced apart from the open end. The intake tube section is attached, at an end opposite the open end, to a water collector which collects rainfall. The water collector has an open accumulation port, a water collection body part and a one-way flow valve. The one-way flow valve is interposed between the water collection body part and an intake suction port and an output port. The output port of the water collector is attached to one end of an output tube section. The other end of the output tube section hangs over the edge of the roof (or into another drain element). The second or other end of the output tube section operates as a weight activated fluid output which permits water to drain therefrom when water is present at the second end.

Abstract: A guard and associated method for rain gutters includes a cap or deflector extending over a gutter of the type having a trough-shaped interior, a rear wall extending along a roof fascia, and a front lip with a channel and an end flange. A mounting bracket has a rear portion abutting the rear wall of the gutter, an upper portion supporting the deflector, and a front portion with a hook-shaped nose. The mounting bracket nose is configured for insertion under the end flange of the gutter, such that the mounting bracket is rotated rearwardly along a generally vertical arc about the nose toward the rear wall of the gutter, and shifted laterally into a skewed orientation within the gutter interior.

Abstract: A rain gutter diverter includes a body and a diverter wall. The body includes a roof and side walls to capture water running down a valley between roof sections. The diverted wall forms a vertical splitter and directs the captured flow into the gutter.

Abstract: A hanger for mounting a gutter to a structure with a fastener. The hanger may include a bracket arm having first and second ends and extend widthwise to the gutter. A raised fastener guide portion may be connected to the first end of the bracket for delivery of the fastener. An outside gutter engagement device connected to the second end of the bracket arm for engaging the outside wall of the gutter and an inside gutter engagement device connected to the fastener guide portion for engaging the inside wall of the gutter and for receiving the fastener to mount the gutter to the structure may also be provided. A support arm may also be provided having first and second ends. The first end may be connected to the raised fastener guide portion and the second end of the support arm may abut the inside wall of the gutter when the hanger is attached to the gutter.

Abstract: An interlocking gutter system that incorporates a gutter clip and a gutter hanger to affix a gutter to a retaining clip attached to a fascia board of a building, thereby eliminating the need to place holes in the gutter itself to insert screws or nails. The gutter hanger of the present invention is constructed of a single piece which has a hanger portion which is disposed substantially within the gutter and spans the width of the gutter to maintain the shape and structural integrity of the gutter. A vertical portion of the gutter hanger extends vertically from the hanger portion and terminates in a top portion which provides support to a leaf protection device. Alternatively, the gutter hanger is constructed of a hanger portion, and a separate vertical portion which is contiguous with the top portion, and is also removably attachable to the hanger portion.

Abstract: A scupper, for providing access to a screen enclosed area, comprising a stationary base plate, for securing to a frame member, and a pivotable door. The base plate has an elongate groove therein for securing a screen to the base plate and supports a first component of a hinge. The pivotable door carries a mating component of the hinge which mates with the first component of the hinge to facilitate pivoting of the door relative to the base plate. The scupper provides an access opening for an enclosed lanai, pool, patio, porch or other area to facilitate passage of a garden hose, or the like, therethrough and/or facilitate cleaning thereof with water.

Abstract: A gutter and roof protection system comprises a gutter cover and an attached heating element. The gutter cover is installed between a lower edge of a sloped roof and a gutter attached to the roof. The gutter cover includes at least one elongated slot. The heating element is placed within the elongated slot and then connected to a suitable source of electricity so as to melt snow and ice which accumulates on or near the gutter cover. The slot retains the heating element and prevents it from moving without the use of fasteners. The slot also positions the heating element so that it is generally flush relative to a surface of the gutter cover so the heating element doesn't impede the flow of water or collect debris.

Abstract: A panel assembly for providing underdeck water drainage and for other applications such as wall panels and skirting for exposed areas under building. The panel assembly, for an underdeck water drainage system, includes a plurality of joist brackets that are mounted transversely to and under the joists of a deck, a plurality of drainage panels, a plurality of drainage panel brackets, and a plurality of joist bracket spacers. The drainage panels may be slidingly engaged or snapped into separate panel brackets or into panel bracket portions of adjacent drainage panels. When properly installed, the underdeck drainage system will protect an area of interest, such as a patio or storage area under a deck, from rain water and keep the area dry. Another application of the present invention is to provide a shield, skirt, or cover for an exposed area under a deck, a home, a mobile home, a wall, or other place of interest.

Abstract: An impervious elongated plate is fastened to a building, near the edge of the rooftop. The plate forms a rebound surface with an uninterrupted slope extending downwardly away from the building. Rainwater falling over the edge of the rooftop, strikes the surface, rebounds, and is dispersed along an extended area at ground level, away from the building. The plate may be flexible and resilient, with a memory so that the plate deflects downwardly under load, but returns to its initial position after the load is removed. The plate may be formed as a single work piece. The plate may be extruded from a plastic material. A method includes the step of securing an impervious surface at an uninterrupted slope near the edge of a rooftop so that rainwater falling over the edge strikes the surface. A major portion of the rainwater is directed downwardly and outwardly along the slope. The major portion of the rainwater is scattered as a spray of water droplets falling onto the ground below.

Abstract: A rain gutter includes a back wall, bottom member, and front wall, forming an elongated channel. The front wall is pivotally connected along the bottom member for forward movement between an upstanding position and a downward open position. An upright scavenger blade mounted in and along the channel is movable between a retracted position and a forward position to push the front wall open and dump the gutter contents. The scavenger blade includes a flexible wiper along its bottom to slide across the channel bottom. The system is actuated by a piston which reciprocates the scavenger blade across the channel, between retracted and extended positions. The actuator system also includes a base plate parallel to the back wall, a channel span parallel to the base plate, and parallel hinge plates connecting the base plate and channel span, all together forming a four-bar linkage. An actuator arm is pivotally connected at one end to the base plate, and slidably connected at its other end to the channel span.

Abstract: A bracket and strap assembly that permits a gutter to be attached to a standing seam on a metal roof without the use of roof-piercing screws and/or nails. A unitary bracket is mounted on the standing seam. A gutter-supporting strap is attached to the bracket. All attachments are made with setscrews.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new gutter-mounted protection system for use in the construction, remodeling and renovating fields, and more particularly, to a device, system, and method for protecting a gutter, siding or landscape from damage during construction activities. The invention may also be used to temporarily create an area protected from weather.

Abstract: A rainwater collection and diverging system includes a housing that has a bottom wall and a perimeter wall. A door is positioned in the bottom wall. A hinge hingedly couples the door to the bottom wall and a biasing member is attached to the door and biases the door in a closed position. Fluid in the housing may flow outwardly through the bottom wall when a biasing action of the biasing member is overcome and the door is moved to an open position. An outlet is fluidly coupled to the housing. A downspout has a bottom end extending into the housing. A conduit is fluidly coupled to and extends between a free end of the outlet and a fluid receptacle. Water flowing down the downspout is directed into the conduit until a force of the water flowing down the downspout overcomes the biasing action and opens the door.

Abstract: An external soffit system for a conservatory roof which prevents unwelcome insects or birds from forming nests and provides a more aesthetically appealing appearance of the conservatory. The soffit also provides a platform from which lights or speakers may be mounted. The soffit and supporting structure also provide added protection to the conservatory roof structure from the elements.

Abstract: A method of covering a structure having walls defining an interior, the walls having an upper peripheral edge defining an open top. A first step involves positioning a base unit within the interior of the structure, the base unit defining a drainage opening. A second step involves extending supporting cables from the base unit to the upper peripheral edge of the walls. A third step involves supporting a funnel shaped tarp on the supporting cables. The funnel shaped tarp has an upper cone and a lower chute. A top peripheral edge of the upper cone is secured to the upper peripheral edge of the walls. The lower chute extends down to the drainage opening in the base unit. The open top of the structure is covered by the funnel shaped tarp and precipitation is directed by the upper cone and the lower chute to the drainage opening.

Abstract: A rain gutter system includes a back flashing, fastening clips, fasteners, a rain gutter and a reverse-curve shield. The back flashing overlaps existing flashing and has a crease at the bottom and the fastening clips have a groove that locates the fastening clips relative to the back flashing. The back wall of the rain gutter extends above and behind the bottom of the back flashing. The rain gutter and shield are anchored to the back flashing and fastening clips vertically and in the fore/aft direction, and can slide laterally. The front upper end of the rain gutter slopes up and back to improve debris shedding.

Abstract: A rain gutter swivel support is provided. A gutter retaining portion has a proximate portion having a first portion of a first connector attached thereto. The gutter retaining portion is shaped to secure a gutter. A central portion has a proximate portion, a middle portion, and a distal portion. The central portion has a second portion of the first connector attached thereto. The first connector allows the central portion and the gutter retaining portion to rotate contrary to each other. The middle portion of the central portion has a first portion of a second connector attached thereto. An anchor portion has a holding portion and a proximate portion. A second portion of the second connector is attached to a middle portion of the proximate portion. The second connector allows the anchor portion and the central portion to rotate contrary to each other.

Abstract: A head rod molding and awning system adapted to be mounted above or below the roof line. The head rod molding member comprises an elongated member having an upper edge and an opposite lower edge along its length. A guideway is provided on the front side of the elongated molding member between the upper and lower edges. A forwardly disposed overhanging lip is provided along the upper edge and a channel, preferably substantially cylindrical, is running along the lower edge, the channel have having a slot along the length of the channel.