Abstract: The present invention discloses in certain aspects a gutter system for connection to a structure, the structure having a top, the gutter system for receiving water flowing from the top of the structure, the gutter system having a hollow body member having a length, the hollow body member having a rear member having an upper end and a lower end, at least one step member projecting out and away from the rear member, the at least one step member extending along the length of the hollow body member, the at least one step member having an outer edge and a top surface, a front side connected at a top thereof to the outer edge of the at least one step member and at a bottom thereof to the lower end of the rear member, at least one drain hole through the front side for exit of water from within the hollow body member, and a plurality of fluid flow slots through the hollow body to permit fluid to flow into the hollow body at a lower end of the at least one step member.

Abstract: A drain channel having a bottom and two sidewalls. A domed strainer is attached to the bottom surrounding a drain port, spaced from both sidewalls. A rigid brace is rigidly attached to both sidewalls and to the dome. It has apertures which will pass water to all sides of the domed strainer, and provides mutual reinforcement of the strainer and the sidewalls. If desired a trough can be telescopically fitted to the drain channel.

Abstract: A self-piercing gutter outlet for connecting a downspout to a gutter. The self-piercing gutter outlet includes a tubular sleeve having open top and bottom ends. An outwardly radiating upper flange is extended around the sleeve at the top end of the sleeve. The bottom end of the sleeve has a serrated lower edge therearound.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for transporting water from an awning on a recreational vehicle to a location remote from a door on the vehicle. The awning comprises a frame mounted to the vehicle and a tarp mounted to the frame. The tarp extends downward away from the recreational vehicle and defines a channel remote from the recreational vehicle which is tilted to a first side and has a first outlet at the first side. A catch basin is composed of a water-impervious material and has a side wall, a bottom panel secured to the side wall in water-tight engagement, a top opening defined by the side wall and a cavity disposed within the side wall and above the bottom panel. A bottom opening is disposed in the bottom panel. A tube has a first tube end, a second tube end and an internal chamber. The first tube end is secured in water-tight engagement to the bottom panel at the bottom opening such that the cavity is contiguous with the internal chamber. The second tube end is positioned remote to the door.

Abstract: A drainage system for a roof gutter and downspout wherein the water and debris from the gutter are directed into a housing divided into two chambers by a perforated wall which permits water to flow therethrough which the debris prevented to travel therethrough.

Abstract: A rain gutter and system created therewith in which the gutter is easily cleaned using a traditional garden hose from the ground level. The gutter has an upper lip and a lower lip between which is a continuously curved surface. This continuous curved surface, such as elliptical, provides a surface over which a stream of water from a garden hose and caught by the upper lip portion flushes debris over the lower lip. In some embodiments of the invention, vanes are used to help maintain the stream of water from spreading to obtain the maximal cleaning affect. In this manner, the gutter is easily and simply cleaned of leaves and other debris by directing a garden hose's stream of water against the upper lip.

Abstract: A guttering cleaning system for cleaning of spouting and guttering in building structures includes water outlets (15) mounted to rain water guttering (12) to direct water into the guttering to flusb debris. An outlet connector (21) is provided for each water outlet (15). A supply connector (22) for releasable connection to any one of the outlet connectors (21) supplies water to the outlet connectors (21). A water supply line (25) and a connector support (45) enables remote connection and disconnection of the supply connector (22) from the ground adjacent the building, the connector support (45) comprising a support pole (46) provided with the supply connector (22) at its upper end, the supply line (25) extending up the support pole (46) to the supply connector (22). The system further includes a connection release means (50) enabling selective release of the connection between the supply connector (22) and an associated outlet connector (21).

Abstract: A cover arrangement for roof gutters is provided. The cover arrangement includes a plurality of cover segments each of which includes an elongate hinge pin having a mounting plate thereon and pivotal gutter cover segment thereon. Preferred configurations, sizes and overlap patterns for adjacent cover segments are provided. Also an assembly comprising a roof, roof gutter and cover arrangement is provided. Methods of assembly and use are also described.

Abstract: An improved gutter guard that operates by capillary action to allow water to flow off the roof and into an existing gutter system, yet precludes foreign matter from entering into the gutter, thereby preventing the gutter from becoming clogged, and providing a substantially maintenance-free gutter system. Preferred embodiments are shown for both plastic and aluminum construction, and several attachment means are shown for anchoring the gutter guard to a standard gutter system. The gutter guard can be economically manufactured and easily retrofit or used in conjunction with existing gutters.

Abstract: A gutter system employs a tube such as PVC pipe to fit over the edge of a roof so that part of the roof resides within the interior of the tube. One or more fasteners such as screws secure the position of the tube. In a preferred embodiment, a first drainage spout connected to the tube collects water and other debris which can be drained out of the spout by removing a cap which is preferably located at the bottom of the spout. A second drainage spout is connected to the first and acts as an overflow spout when the first drainage spout is full.

Abstract: A self-priming drain guard siphon insertable into the opening of any reservoir drain subjected to accumulation of fluid transported debris comprising an outer shell (17) enclosing an inner priming chamber (20) held upright on the bottom of a reservoir by support tabs (18). Priming chamber (20) is comprised of inlet openings (22), a horizontal chamber (20a), a vertical chamber (20b), and an outlet opening (24). Inlet openings (22) are each positioned above and between adjacent support tabs (18) and vertical chamber (20b) at an elevation slightly higher than the bottom of a reservoir. Inlet openings (22) are cumulatively sized to approximate flow capacity of horizontal chamber (20a) and are positioned on the underside of horizontal chamber 20a to prevent lateral passage and direct contact with median sized debris. Horizontal chamber 20a is sized to approximate the flow capacity of vertical chamber 20b.

Abstract: A down spout clean out adapter (10) connectable to a bottom distal end of a leader (18). The down spout clean out adapter (10) having an adapter (12) which has an adapter upper front (12UF) having an adapter upper front opening (12UFA) and an adapter upper left (12UL) having an adapter left guide and an adapter upper right (12UR) having an adapter right guide and an adapter upper back (12UB). The down spout clean out adapter (10) further has a door (16) which has a door top (16T) and a door front (16F) and a door back (16B) and a door bottom (16A) and a door left (16L) and a door right (16R). The door (16) is removably positionable between the adapter left guide and the adapter right guide.

Abstract: A debris trap assembly for use with downspouts connected to a rain gutter system. The debris trap assembly replaces the portion of the downspout from about waist height down to the drain tile connection. Rain water is carried by the downspout to the debris trap assembly where it flows through a strainer housing containing a strainer cup. The strainer cup accumulates the debris collected by the rain gutters and flushed down the downspout by the rain water. The strainer cup has a special shape that allows it to occupy nearly all the space in the housing while still being removable through an access opening to empty the debris from the cup. An indicator built into the strainer cup displays when the strainer cup needs to be emptied. To empty the strainer cup, it is first removed from the housing and then dumped in either the garbage or a compost pile. The strainer cut is then easily replaced into the strainer housing.

Abstract: A self-filling birdbath system for utilizing rainwater collected within a conventional rain gutter system to fill and clean a birdbath. The inventive device includes a birdbath, a collection tube connectable to a drain spout of a rain gutter, an elbow tube coupled with the collection tube, a transporting tube coupled to the elbow tube opposite of the collection tube, and a fill tube coupled to the transporting tube and extending through the birdbath above the rim of the basin. Rainwater is accumulated within the rain gutter and is drained through the drain spout. The rainwater is then forced through the transporting tube through the fill tube and out a dispensing end where the water dispensed into the basin. The rainwater is agitated within the basin of the birdbath thereby cleaning the basin when the water level within the basin exceeds the rim of the basin.

Abstract: A repositionable downspout extension that is attached to a downspout to direct rainwater away from a building. The extension is a generally cylindrical body with first and second ends. The extension comprises selectively removable adapter portions at each end that allow the extension to be connected to a downspout. An interlockable collar portion is at each end of the extension and interior to the adapter portions. The interlockable collar portions allow a number of the extensions to be connected together to form a downspout extension assembly after the adapter portions are removed. The extension further comprises an adjustable portion between the two collar portions. The adjustable portion comprises collapsible corrugations so that the extension can be bent into a number of positions and hold its position.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a gutter tilt actuator for a rain gutter system for a house, building, structure, etc., which facilitates cleaning of a gutter, and more particularly to a gutter tilt actuator, which is utilized to rotate the gutter from a water collecting position to a cleaning position and from a cleaning position to a water collecting position.

Abstract: An easy clean system (18) for a gutter (20) at the eaves (24) of a roof (26) on a building (28) comprising a leader (34) connected to an aperture (36) in the gutter (20), so that the leader (34) will extend vertically down along an exterior wall (38) of the building (28) and carry rainwater away from the roof (26). A facility (40) within the leader (34) is for separating any dirt and debris (30) that falls into the rainwater in the gutter (20), so that the rainwater will flow without obstruction out through the leader (34).

Abstract: A raingutter leaf guard assembly 8 is mounted on top of a typical rain-gutter 56 to prevent leaves from passing through a grid 12. A hinge portion 24 permits raising the leaf guard assembly 8 when an angled rod 30 affixed to a long pole 32 is mated to a funnel shaped opening 28 in lever 26. A downward pull of pole 32 from ground level raises the leaf guard assembly 8 and dumps leaf debris to the ground. Assembly 9 is comprised of an elbow 44 permanently connected to a raingutter end cap 38. A long pipe 52 is connected to the elbow 44 from ground level. A female duplex hose bib adaptor 54 completes the pipe thread 50, and garden hose thread 55 connections, thereby flushing a gutter clear of debris. All raingutter maintenance is performed on the ground.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gutter assembly for use with a longitudinally extending trough or gutter having an opening extending therethrough. The gutter assembly includes an outlet having a flange adjacent its upper end. The outlet extends through the opening with the flange adjacent the trough. A locking ring surrounds the outlet and is positioned adjacent the trough in opposed relationship to the outlet flange.

Abstract: A rain gutter system is provided including a frame having an elongated bottom face and a side wall coupled to the bottom face and extending upwardly therefrom. The side wall of the frame is defined by a front face, a rear face and a pair of side faces thus forming an interior space and an upper peripheral edge. An upper edge of the rear face is coupled to an upper surface of a roof. The bottom face has a cut out formed therein for residing in communication with a downwardly extending drain pipe. Also included is an inner basin with a shape and size similar to that of the frame. An upper edge of the front face of the inner basin is pivotally coupled to an upper edge of the front face of the frame for pivoting between a first orientation and a second orientation wherein the water basin is inverted in front of the frame.

Abstract: A downspout in which a section is formed of a material that is substantially elastic and which forms an expandable face member that flexes away from the center of the downspout if the water in it freezes and, when the rainwater thaws, the elastic material returns to substantially its original dimension. It is also preferred that the expandable face member include two longitudinally-extending channels that are substantially V-shaped in cross section. The channels allow for greater outward expansion of the expandable face member, which further reduces the chances of permanent deformation and decreases the stresses on the connection between the expandable face member and the non-flexible portion of the downspout.

Abstract: An auxiliary roof for a building is provided including a building having a perimeter and a roof. A plurality of stanchions includes a pair of rear stanchions and a pair of front stanchions. Top ends of the rear stanchions have an equal height which is greater than that of the top ends of the front stanchions. A frame includes a pair of side members extending downwardly from top ends of the rear stanchions to top ends of the front stanchions. Also included is plurality of slats each defined by a pair of long edges and a pair of short edges, wherein one of the long edges of each slat is coupled between the side members of the frame in spaced parallel relationship. The slats have a raised orientation wherein the same reside at an acute angle for directing air toward the building.

Abstract: A discharge adaptor for downspouts to disburse rain water at a preselected distance away from the foundation of a building. The discharge adaptor having a mating unit, having a generally elbow shape having a vertical and horizontal portion. The vertical portion secured to the lower end of the downspout and the horizontal portion designed to terminate in a nozzle for the discharge of the rain water. The inner circumference of the horizontal portion of the mating unit having a decreasing circumference from the vertical portion of the mating unit to the nozzle portion.

Abstract: A plant watering device includes a collector for temporarily collecting rainwater or the like therein and a mounting mechanism for removably mounting the collector on a roof of a house or the like. The plant watering device also includes a hose, or some other form of fluid conduit, for conveying rainwater or the like from the collector to a remotely located plant.

Abstract: A repositionable downspout extension that is attached to a downspout to direct rainwater away from a building. The extension is a generally cylindrical body with first and second ends. The extension comprises selectively removable adapter portions at each end that allow the extension to be connected to a downspout. An interlockable collar portion is at each end of the extension and interior to the adapter portions. The interlockable collar portions allow a number of the extensions to be connected together to form a downspout extension assembly after the adapter portions are removed. The extension further comprises an adjustable portion between the two collar portions. The adjustable portion comprises collapsible corrugations so that the extension can be bent into a number of positions and hold its position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a gutter trap assemblage which is adapted for use with conventional, U-shaped gutters and their downspouts. The gutter trap assemblage is an integral, one piece unit having an upper section and a lower section. When installed, the upper section mates with and communicates with a conventional U-shaped gutter and the lower section communicates with a conventional gutter downspout. The upper section also communicates with the lower section through its open bottom which is co-extensive with the open top of the lower section. A plurality of screens are provided in the lower section to form a series of chambers therein. The screens are positioned so that their top edges are below the plane of the bottom wall of a conventional, U-shaped gutter.

Abstract: A flexible cage is attached to a base which fits in to a gutter downspout opening. A cord is attached at the top center of the flexible cage and it extends through the cage and out of the downspout. The construction of the cage is a hub and spoke system, primarily to be manufactured of plastic. The round spokes are attached to a central hub, the base is fixed and rests in the drain opening, and the legs of the cage to attached to the base. When the cage is not in its active phase, its function is passive, preventing debris from clogging the drain opening. When in operation, via the actuating cord, the design and construction of the cage, along with force applied by pulling the cord, causes the cage to compress and rotate around the drain opening. The action of the device around the drain opening loosens debris and creates openings which allow water to flow freely again.

Abstract: A new gutter cleaning system for eliminating a need to manually clean gutters. The inventive device includes a motor disposed within a gutter at an end thereof opposite a downspout opening thereof. The motor is disposed within a waterproof housing. The motor has a rotating coupling rod extending outwardly thereof and extending outwardly of a side wall of the housing. The motor has a power cord extending outwardly thereof and extending outwardly of a top wall of the housing. A spindle shaft couples with the rotating coupling rod of the variable speed motor. The shaft extends essentially a length of the gutter. A plurality of fan blades are coupled with the spindle shaft in a spaced relationship.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing rainwater overflow protection for a roof gutter. The method includes removing rainwater under the force of gravity from the gutter via a conduit connected at an opening in a substantially vertical wall at one end of the gutter. A further step includes directing the rainwater from the opening through a downward turning transition section in the conduit such that a substantially horizontal rainwater flow direction is gradually converted to a downward flow direction. A portion of the rainwater may be further directed via the conduit from the gutter to a conventional downspout connected to a bottom surface of the gutter. In this alternative, the conduit joins the conventional downspout at a location at least six inches below the bottom surface of the gutter and serves as a bypass for a plugged conventional downspout opening.

Abstract: A molded plastic attachment clip with a lip at the top and angles leading back to siding, and back again to main body of clip causing a positive lock when inserted into the locking mechanism of vinyl siding, with two foldable arms to hold gutter downspouts in place without nailing or damaging the vinyl siding. This unique locking system allows for easy aligning of downspouts after installation, and does not void the warranty of vinyl siding as does present method of strapping downspouts.

Abstract: An anti-clogging device for drain pipe includes: a cap member linked with an open-topped cylindrical container, whereby upon insertion of the cylindrical container into the drain pipe and upon covering of the cap member on a top opening of the drain pipe, the drain pipe can be well protected for preventing clogging by waste materials or scraps in a building construction site by means of the anti-clogging device.

Abstract: A breakaway gutter (30) comprising a flexible trough (32) having a rearward edge (34) permanently connected to a building (36) proximate an overhanging edge (38) of a roof (40) of the building (36). Structures (42) are connected to the building (36), for retaining in a detachable manner a forward edge (44) of the flexible trough (32), so that the flexible trough (32) will be in a position to receive water from the roof (40) when it rains. The forward edge (44) of the flexible trough (32) can disengage from the retaining structures (42) by pressure exerted by the weight of snow on the roof (40) in winter, to prevent damage to the flexible trough (32).

Abstract: Collection boxes and method for distributing run-off water utilize upright sides (A) with an open top for positioning at ground level with an entrance connection (B) for receiving an underground pipe, a bottom (C) communicates with a drainage opening (D) for avoiding standing water. An upright unobstructed passageway having a cross-section greater than the cross-section of the entrance connection for the pipe extends above the connection to avoid turbulence in upwardly rising run-off water, and a cover (E) permits water to overflow over a surrounding area carrying with it trash from the box. The boxes are preferably stacked or nested for conserving space during shipment.

Abstract: The top wall of the horizontal spout section of a downspout assembly is cut away at the inlet end to create a notch such that interference with the top wall of the outlet end of the elbow section will be avoided when the horizontal section is pivoted to a lowered position. A hinge is fastened on top of the elbow and horizontal sections over the notch. The hinge includes half sections with each having oppositely disposed leg portions functioning as a saddle to straddle the elbow and horizontal sections. One of the hinge half sections includes a pair of spaced apart sleeves between which a single sleeve on the other half section is received. A bolt extends through the sleeves and draws the pair of sleeves frictionally against opposite ends of the single sleeve to lock the horizontal section in a raised over center position. A slot extends from the inner end of the one half section between the pair of sleeves to allow the pair of sleeves to be drawn together.

Abstract: A rainwater collection and distribution apparatus includes a tank which includes a water entry portion, a water exit portion, and a water containment portion located between the water entry portion and the water exit portion. A valve assembly is connected to the water exit portion of the tank. A flexible adaptor conduit is connected at one end to the water entry portion of the tank and is connectable at another end to a portion of a gutter down spout. A plurality of stakes are connected to a bottom portion of the water containment portion of the tank for fixing the tank to a portion of a ground surface. The water containment portion of the tank has a tank diameter and a hydrostatic-pressure-development height extending from a distal end portion of the water containment portion to the valve assembly. A ratio of the hydrostatic-pressure-development height to the tank diameter is equal to or greater than three.

Abstract: The self cleaning rain gutter system of this invention has the quadruple advantage of being easy to install, being clog resistant, being self cleaning, and being without visible slope. Ease of installation is accomplished by modular sections made up of box, gutter and louver rack. These are simply installed level, using the fascia board as a guide as well as a support. A modular section may be installed fully assembled, with preset slope and leader funnel with cleaning water connections--or, at the option of the installer, may be mounted in a two step procedure, first the support box and then the gutter and louver rack. Clog resistance is provided by an integral top grating which interdicts most leaves and twigs as well as the occasional tennis ball. These larger items tend to provide the framework for clogs. The smooth rounded cross section of the bottom of the inner gutter also tends to resist clogging.

Abstract: A debris removal device for rain gutter downspouts is inserted between the bottom of the downspout and the top of a ground drainpipe into which the downspout empties. The device comprises an elongate tubular housing open on both ends and having an unobstructed third opening formed transversely through the tubular wall between the ends. A partition, having apertures formed therein, extends generally transversely within the tubular housing at an inclination converging toward the third opening so as to divert debris, which enters the tubular housing through the first opening, out the third opening while enabling rainwater associated with the debris to pass through the apertures in the partition and out the second opening. Water flow guides associated with the partition divert rainwater away from the third opening to inhibit it from flowing out the third opening along with the debris. A dam is provided at the bottom of the third opening to likewise inhibit the flow of water out the third opening.

Abstract: An upper end of an outer pipe 16 is connected to a gutter, and a lower end of the outer pipe is connected to a water collecting box communicating with a sewer pipe. An inner pipe 18 which is arranged apart from an inner circumferential surface of a vertical portion 16d of the outer pipe at an outer circumferential edge of an upper portion thereof is connected to a storage-percolating box at a lower end thereof. A ring-like flow-separating piece 24 is disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the vertical portion of the outer pipe above an outer end of the inner pipe by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A sloped gutter assembly provides for the controlled discharge of runoff water from a structure roof. The gutter assembly includes a first elongated gutter section having a bottom and upstanding side walls that collectively define a U-shaped cross-section. The first gutter section is characterized by an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the side walls are tapered progressively from the upstream end to the downstream end. This taper defines a cross-section of progressively reduced dimension. A plurality of mounting brackets are spaced apart and integrally attached to one of the upstanding sidewalls, and attach the first elongated gutter section to the structure. Finally, the gutter assembly includes a screen that is hingedly attached along one side to the upstanding side wall disposed adjacent the structure. The screen is further disposed to overlie the opposing gutter side wall, and therefore the gutter channel.

Abstract: A gutter liquid separator is shown for separating liquid from non-liquid debris and for removing debris from a rain water gutter system secured to a roof of a structure. In a particular embodiment, the gutter liquid separator includes two main components; a debris discharge outlet and a liquid separator. The debris discharge outlet includes a flow surface, an inner and an outer wall extending up from the flow surface so that upstream edges of the flow surface, inner and outer walls are secured to a U-shaped gutter of the system. The debris discharge outlet also includes a debris drop-off edge that defines a drop-off plane passing through downstream edges of the flow surface, inner and outer walls.

Abstract: Without a downspout extension rain water collected on the roof of a building is spilled onto the ground beside the foundation. This causes damp and musty basements and sometimes even cracked foundations. The problem with using a downspout extension is that it must be walked over; additionally it must be removed and re-installed in order to cut a lawn thereunder. The automatic extension device disclosed utilizes a rocker arm having a cup on one end and a latch/hook on the other. An upright tubular member having an upper end portion adapted to slide over the downspout and a lower end portion which elbows outwardly away from an adjacent building wall has an extension tube pivotably connected thereto. A channel extending laterally and downwardly from inside the upright tubular member to above the cup diverts rain water from the downspout into the cup. The extension tube is stored in an upright position having one end held up by the latch/hook.

Abstract: A rain gutter downspout noise attenuation apparatus is provided formed by a section of downspout made of sheet metal, or other suitable material, lined with artificial grass and a fastening screw or clip. The sheet metal, shaped in the form of a 160 degree angle, is designed as such that it easily fits into the base of the downspout, with the curve segment situating in the curve of the elbow.

Abstract: An adjustable extension assembly for a downspout includes a fixed piece attachable to the lowermost end of a downpipe, a rotatable collar attached to the fixed piece, and at least one extension pivotally attached to the rotatable collar. Additional slidable members may be telescopingly attached to the extension. The extension members are channel-shaped in cross-section. The extension may be composed of a polymerized material or a metal. In addition to being easily attached to a downspout, the adjustable extension of the present invention may be selectively adjusted for fitting, for selective water deflection, and for proper lawn maintenance.

Abstract: A flushing apparatus for collecting and removing debris from a rain gutter to permit the unobstructed flow of water through a gutter downspout. The apparatus includes a channel section forming one end of the gutter and having a pair of sidewalls, a screen member and a raised portion associated with the screen member. The raised portion is of a height sized to induce water in the gutter to drop through the screen member into the downspout. The screen member is pivotable between a normal position which prevents the debris from passing into the downspout, and a cleaning position which removes the debris from the screen member.

Abstract: A roof drainage system includes an eve trough with end walls keyed for placement on the bottom edge of a fascia, a building corner post forming a drain spout within it, and a soffit channel connecting the eve trough to the drain spout. An alternative eve trough is formed in a horizontal siding member having front and back walls and an inner bottom together forming a water channel at an incline from horizontal.

Abstract: A non-clogging gutter system comprised of two components: A half cylinder with flanges whose principal axis is orientated parallel to the edge of an inclined roof and is fastened to the vertical plane of the eaves and a gutter located just below the half cylinder, also mounted on the vertical plane of the eaves, but whose outer edge is recessed compared to the half cylinder. In operation, rainwater hydraulically flows down the inclined roof and onto the half cylinder where large debris, relatively unimpeded, is discharged to the ground, while the rainwater and macroscopic particles, by virtue of their higher molecular attraction compared to mass, adhere to the half cylinder finally discharging into the gutter because of the more normal orientation of the gravity vector compared to the half cylinder's surface.

Abstract: A freeze-resistant downspout system includes a metal downspout having an interior portion within a building and a contiguous exterior portion outside the building. The exterior portion is shielded from the weather by a thermally insulated shroud so that heat conducted along the downspout from within the building is sufficient to keep the exterior portion from freezing.

Abstract: A downspout anchor formed of a U-shaped hook section and a spike section permanently joined by an angular arm unitary with the spike section. A collar formation having a through bore therethrough is formed on the angular arm for receiving the hook section, the collar being compressed with the hook section staked therein, effecting the permanent securement. The spike section is provided with opposite ends, one end being rounded for receiving impacts thereto and the opposite end is provided with a bit end, preferably a four-sided tapered portion. The angular arm is formed by forging of a portion of the spike with the angular arm, including the collar formation formed in a cavity of an upset-forging die. The hook section and the spike section are coplanar and laterally offset. The spike section is driven into the building wall without damage to the downspout being mounted.

Abstract: A quick cleaning gutter system that attaches to the fascia of a building to collect and channel water from the roof to the building base. A shelf prevents damage to the gutter system. The gutter comprises several independently rotatable channels that are supported by several fixtures. The channels form a downwardly sloping liquid flow path. Rotatable connectors seal the junctures between the channels. The channels periodically intersect downspouts that redirect the water downwardly into drains. The downspouts may also be attached to the channels by connectors to facilitate channel rotation. The downspouts may be fixed or rotatable. The fixtures comprise a bracket assembly that captivates a rotatable inner collar. Preferably, a tongue and groove captivates the collar within the bracket assembly while permitting collar rotation. The collars revolve to rotate the channels. Spaced apart actuating cables extend from selected fixtures.

Abstract: A gutter and drain spout guard for preventing debris from the roof of a house from clogging the gutter and drain spout. The guard includes a base, two end walls and a cap. The base is generally rectangular in shape, with the two end walls extending perpendicularly from its ends. The base is positioned within a gutter over the drain spout. The cap is positioned over the opening of the drain spout and is connected to the base through a loop. The loop also extends into the drain spout, biased against the walls of the drain spout, thus securely positioning the guard with respect to the drain spout. The end walls of the guard prevent debris from collecting near the drain spout opening. Once the debris has reached the height of the end walls, the debris flows closer to the opening. However, the cap prevents the debris from collecting directly in the drain spout. The cap also prevents debris, falling directly from the roof, from collecting over the opening.