Gutter deflector shield

Abstract

A deflector shield apparatus for rain gutters to prevent leaf and similar debris from entering the trough portion of the gutter. The deflector shield apparatus includes means for mounting the deflector to the gutter and associated building structure to provide improved function of the gutter system and easy installation. The deflector shield comprises a rigid sheet material having a rear portion adapted to be mounted under the outermost row of roof shingles, a central portion extending outward over the gutter, and a forward portion provided with a downturned curve forming a nose disposed over the front lip of the gutter and a reverse curved terminal and extending rearwardly over the trough portion of the gutter. Included in the apparatus is a modified gutter support strap having opposing ends in engagement with the front and rear wall of the gutter and means to connect the rear wall of the gutter to the associated building wall. The support strap also includes a vertically extending flange configured to cooperate with a downwardly extending flange formed on the terminal end of the reversed curved portion of the forward portion of the deflector shield to fix the gutter shield in position yet from a continuous, open space between the forward nose of the deflector and the front lip of the gutter.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to rain gutters and shield apparatus to permit water to flow into the gutter while deflecting debris from entering the gutter.

2. Description of the Related Art

The collection of leaves and other similar debris in rain gutters is an old and well-recognized problem which causes downspouts to clog. This interferes with the intended performance of the rain gutter. The maintenance required from time to time to clean debris from gutters is considerable and is highly undesirable.

A great number of gutter shield devices have been priorly proposed and several are presently marketed which are directed to solving this problem. One form of such shields is a screen or screen-like device wherein water is directed into the gutter through a screen or plurality of small openings aligned over the trough portion of the gutter and the larger debris is prevented from entry into the gutter. However, if the openings or screen become clogged, the proper function of the rain gutter is compromised and rain water is directed beyond the gutter and onto the underlying ground surface.

The other form of device is a deflector wherein the forward end of the shield has a downwardly curved end. Water and debris pass over the top portion of the deflector and surface tension is relied upon to direct water around the curved end and into the gutter while leaves and the like pass over the forward edge of the gutter to the ground below.

Many believe deflector devices are generally considered as more maintenance free than screen type devices. However, to satisfactorily meet commercial acceptance, deflector devices must be relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture and be relatively easy to install.

The more desirable construction and installation of such deflector devices should apply as readily to new installations as well as to be retro-fit installations onto an existing gutter system. Further, they should be relatively maintenance free, particularly with regard to the potential to attract any significant capture of leaves and other debris between the opening formed between the curved forward end of the deflector and the length of the front lip of the gutter. If debris is captured anywhere along this opening, it tends to interrupt the flow of water over the downwardly curved forward portion of the deflector shield and forms a bridge or pathway for water to pass over the gutter and onto the ground below. This, of course, compromises the intended performance of the gutter system.

While the currently used and priorly proposed gutter deflector devices provide satisfactory results in varying degrees in certain of the above requirements, a need for an improved deflector apparatus which addresses all of the above-noted desirable qualities has eluded those skilled in this art.

Some examples of prior art attempts to provide gutter deflector shields are represented by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,404,775; 4,796,390; 6,098,344; 4,497,146; 4,796,390; and 5,557,891. The devices disclosed in the prior patents address some of the problems noted above, however, each have certain disadvantages which heretofore have remained unsolved.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to apparatus for preventing debris, such as leaves and the like, from entering into rain gutters while permitting the water from the roof to enter the gutter and be appropriately directed to the gutter downspout as conventionally intended.

The present invention is particularly directed to an improved deflector-type shield apparatus for connection to an existing or newly installed gutter system wherein rain water is directed over a deflector's top surface and a curved forward end prior to entering the gutter. Due to surface tension, water tends to cling to the downwardly curved forward end of the deflector surface and is directed into the gutter while debris passes beyond the forward end of the gutter to fall to the ground below in the generally accepted and well-known manner.

In accordance with the present invention, the apparatus includes a deflector configuration constructed to cooperate with a flange-like portion provided on a gutter support strap or hanger to allow simple installation of several lengths of the deflector or shield portions adjacent to one another to properly cover the length of the gutter and fix it against vertical separation from its position over the gutter. Such undesirable vertical separation can occur during high wind storms wherein an upward force is directed to the deflector shield which may cause a disconnection of the deflector or shield portion from its intended functional position overlying the gutter.

As another aspect of the present invention, the downwardly curved end portion of the deflector which directs water into the gutter is mounted relative to the gutter in a manner which forms a continuous open channel between the forward end of the deflector and the upper front lip of the gutter such that there are no obstructions upon which leaves or similar debris may be caught and form a pathway interrupting the intended flow of water into the gutter. In prior art devices, if this latter condition develops, water flowing down the deflector surface tends to flow over such points of blockage and then beyond the front lip of the gutter, thereby compromising the intended performance of the gutter.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, vertically extending flange portions on a bracket provided on the gutter support strap and the terminal end of a reverse curve forward portion of the deflector are disposed in closely adjacent or abutting relationship and bolted or similarly fixed together to maintain the intended position of the deflector apparatus relative to the gutter.

In another preferred embodiment, the above-noted flanges comprise a configuration of opposing V or U-shaped portions which mate with one another in a horizontally slideably relationship along the length of the gutter, yet, limit vertical displacement between the deflector and the support strap to resist upwardly directed forces caused by high wind, for example, to maintain the deflector's position relative to the gutter.

When mated, these flanges permit limited relative slideable movement of each length of the deflector shield relative to the support strap and enhances the ease of installation of the deflector shield.

As a further aspect of the present invention, a gutter deflector manufactured according to the present invention is relatively simple in design to allow for inexpensive manufacture employing common, well-known materials and is substantially maintenance free relative to requiring manually cleaning debris out of the gutter trough which tends to clog the gutter system and disrupt its intended function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational sectional view of a gutter deflector apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention shown attached to a gutter conventionally mounted to a building structure, the section being taken in a vertical place along the length of the gutter;

FIG. 2 is a perspective, exploded view of a portion of a conventional gutter and the gutter deflector apparatus shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 1, illustrating a modified embodiment of the gutter deflector apparatus of the present invention shown attached to a conventional gutter.

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific term so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word connected or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection, but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art unless otherwise specifically defined herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A preferred gutter deflector apparatus, indicated generally at 20, constructed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 mounted to a conventional gutter 22 of a building 24 having a slanted roof 26 covered with conventional shingles 28.

The deflector shield portion, indicated generally at 30, includes a rear portion 32 which conventionally slides under the outermost layer of shingles 28, a central portion 34 which extends outwardly to a point in a vertical plane over at least a portion of the forward lip 42 of gutter 22, and a front portion 36 provided with a reverse curve section 38 which terminates in an upwardly facing generally U or V-shaped opening 40.

If deemed necessary, central portion 34 may be provided with ribs, or curved sections, or other features which have the function to attenuate or modify the flow of water over the deflector surface to reduce any tendency for the flow of water to overcome surface tension. The latter is relied up to cause the flow of water to follow the downwardly curved surface of the most forward portion or nose 36 and reverse curve section 38 and fall within the confines of the trough 27 of gutter 22 formed between a front gutter wall 23 and a rear gutter wall 25. Such water flow attenuation means are well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as for example, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,796,390; 4,497,146 and 5,557,891.

Forming a part of the gutter deflector apparatus is a modified gutter support strap or hanger, indicated generally at 46.

The general construction of a preferred form of support strap 46 represents a conventional, well-known type including a main body portion 50 provided with a planar upper surface 52, a curved or L-shaped forward end 54 which is configured to fit under a conventional channel formed under the front lip 42 of gutter 22, and a vertically upstanding rear portion 56. Rear portion 56 may preferably include a U-shaped 180 degree band which conventionally fits over rear wall 25 of gutter 22 as seen in FIG. 1, such that opposing ends of support strap 46 are disposed in engagement with the front wall 23 and rear wall 25.

In the more preferred construction, gutter support strap 46 may include a conventionally shaped fastener bracket, such as 60, which is fixed to upper surface 52 and includes a ferrule-like opening 62 for receiving a screw-type or nail fastener 58 to attach and provide enhanced support for maintaining the mounted position of gutter 22 to building sidewall 24. However, in accordance with the present invention, support strap 46 may simply be conventionally directed fixed to gutter 22 and building sidewall 24 via a conventional screw, rivet, or nail fastener or the like extended through rear portion 56 and into the sidewall 24, without using a ferrule or ferrule bracket, such as 60, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The latter form of connection to building sidewall 24 represents a less preferred embodiment.

In accordance with the present invention, gutter support strap 46 is modified by the addition of a deflector shield mounting bracket 70 comprising an L-shaped body provided with a horizontal leg 72 fixed to a forward position of the upper surface 52 of support strap 46 via a conventional fastening means, such as a screw or rivet 75, and a vertical leg 74 terminating in a downwardly curved portion 76 forming an inverted or downwardly facing U or V-shaped flange forming opening 78 between portions 74 and 76. Alternatively, leg 72 may be fixed to surface 52 via any other suitable means known to those skilled in the art. For example, mounting bracket 70 may be formed integral with body 50 if deemed desirable.

As best seen in FIG. 1, bracket 70 is positioned forwardly upon surface 52 so that an upwardly directed leg 41 forming part of a U or V-shaped flange in the terminal end of portion 38 having an upwardly facing open channel 40 may be mated within the channel 78. This mating prevents any significant vertical displacement of deflector shield 30 relative to support strap 46 and gutter 22 while allowing limited relative slideable movement in a horizontal direction to engage or disengage deflector shield 30 from mounting bracket 70. For installation purposes, it should be readily understood to one skilled in this art that sections of deflector shield 30 of a given convenient length may be positioned along the length dimension of gutter 22 and allow limited slideable movement to abut or overlap one another as deemed necessary to enhance quick and facile positioning of the respective lengths of deflector shield 30 over gutter 22 without requiring highly skilled labor or special tools. It should also be pointed out that the upwardly leg 41 may have a shorter length than shown in FIG. 1, which would allow it to be pushed under leg 76 and to snap into the channel or opening 78 and still provide the slideable feature described above herein.

It should be noted that installation of the deflector shield apparatus using the modified gutter support strap 46 is equally applicable to new or retro-fit installations. In retro-fit installations, modified gutter support straps 46 are simply positioned between the existing support straps or ferrule and fastener combinations to permit installation in the manner described herein. In new installations, the modified gutter support strap 46 would be used in a conventional array spaced to appropriately hang the gutter 22. Then the deflector shield would be mounted in sections as described herein.

It should also be noted that rear portion 32 of deflector shield 30 may also be disposed over the outermost row of shingles 28, using suitable fasteners fixed to the underlying roof. However, some persons skilled in the art consider this method less preferable than slideably disposing rear end portion 32 under the first or outermost row of shingles 28.

Now referring to FIG. 3, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The difference between the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 relates to the particular configuration of a modified mounting bracket 70-A and a modified terminal flanged end of reversed curved portion 38-A of deflector shield 30. In reference to FIG. 3, the unchanged portions of the apparatus illustrated relative to FIGS. 1 and 2 are noted by the same reference numerals used in these figures and the portions which are modified use the same reference numerals followed by the letter “A”. Any new structure is referenced by a new reference numeral not previously used.

Since the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is essentially the same as that shown in the preceding Figures, the description of FIG. 3 is limited to those modified portions as described below for purposes of brevity and is adequate for one of ordinary skill to understand how to make and use the present invention.

Support strap 46-A is modified with respect to a deflector shield mounting bracket 70-A comprising an L-shaped body provided with a horizontal leg 72-A fixed to a forward of the upper surface 52 of the support strap 46-A via conventional fastening means such as a screw or rivet 75, and a vertical extending leg 74-A in a similar manner as the first described embodiment.

A downwardly extending terminal end portion 39 of portion 38 of deflector shield 30 forms a flange which is configured and disposed closely adjacent and parallel to leg 74-A such that each may be conventionally fixed to one another, such as, for example, by a conventional rivet, bolt or screw 77. In this manner deflector shield 30 may be quickly and easily affixed in appropriate relationship to gutter 22 via support strap 46-A to accomplish the same function and purpose as the embodiment described and shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

From the foregoing description, one of ordinary skill in this art should readily understand the relative ease of manufacture of the deflector shield 30 and modified support strap 46 as well as the ease of installation as shown in the Figs. and described herein. In addition, it should also be pointed out that a further important benefit of the construction of the present invention provides not only a secure and facile mounting of the deflector shield 30 to the gutter 22 but further provides a continuous, open space or channel between the most forwardly disposed nosed portion 36 of deflector shield 30 and front lip 42 of gutter 22 along the entire length of the gutter. Therefore there is no interruption or obstruction in this space wherein the rain water flows into the gutter, wherein leaves and similar debris may become caught and form discrete pathways allowing water to flow over and beyond the front lip of the gutter rather than into the trough portion.

In view of the above description, it should be readily understood that the present invention provides the combination of simple manufacture, ease of a reliable and secure installation, with the highly desirable flow directing characteristics which has eluded those skilled in the prior art.

While certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed in detail, it is to be understood that various modifications may be adopted without departing from the spirit of the invention or scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A deflector shield assembly adapted for attachment between the outer edge of a sloping roof and an underlying length of a conventional rain gutter to allow water flowing off the roof to enter the rain gutter while deflecting leaf and miscellaneous debris to the ground comprising, in combination;

a main body of a substantially rigid sheet material including (a) a generally planar rear portion configured to be mounted under an outermost row of shingles carried by said sloping roof, (b) a central portion extending in a downward slope over an underlying rain gutter, (c) a forward portion provided with a generally downwardly curved outer segment having its most forward extent disposed in a plane above and overlying an outer lip of said underlying gutter and including a rearwardly extending reverse curved portion disposed over a trough portion of said rain gutter and inwardly of said outer lip, said rearwardly extending reverse curved portion provided with a downwardly turned flange and (d) a gutter support member including a base member having opposing ends mounted between a rear and forward wall of said rain gutter and connected to a vertical wall of the structure supporting said roof, said base member including a vertically extending mounting flange spaced rearwardly of the outer lip of said rain gutter and connected to said downturned flange of said forward portion to inhibit vertical movement of said forward portion of said deflector shield relative to said rain gutter.

2. In combination a rain gutter support strap and a gutter shield adapted to be affixed between the forward edge of a sloping roof and to an underling gutter having a trough for receiving rain water, said trough defined between a front and rear wall of said gutter, said support strap including a generally planar rigid strip having horizontally opposed ends in force-transmitting engagement between said front and rear walls of said gutter, a fastener extending through a first vertically extending, rearwardly disposed bracket fixed to said strap and the rear wall of said gutter and connected to an outside wall of a structure supporting said sloping roof, said strip including a vertically extending inverted V or U-shaped flange having a forwardly facing opening disposed near, but spaced from said front wall of said gutter;

a debris shield comprising an integrally formed, rigid, sheet material having a predetermined length and width and including a rearward generally planar portion configured to be fixedly received in parallel extending relationship to a forwardly disposed row of shingles conventionally disposed on said roof, a central portion extending outward over said trough of said gutter, and a forward portion including a generally reverse curved section having its most forwardly disposed extent in vertical spaced relationship over at least a portion of an outer lip of said front wall of said rain gutter and its rearwardly disposed extent terminating in an upwardly facing V or U-shape flange disposed in slideably mated relationship with the downwardly facing V or U-shaped flange of said support strap to limit vertical movement of said debris shield relative to said gutter.