PIVOTABLE GUTTER ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The present invention provides a gutter assembly configured for removing water from a structure. The gutter assembly is also configured to be moved to a position for accessible cleaning. The gutter assembly includes a trough having an opening configured to provide for the flow of water from the trough. A downspout is positioned near the trough and configured to convey water away from the trough. The trough and the downspout are configured to move together between a raised position and a lowered position.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a gutter assembly configured to move between a use position and a cleaning position and specifically to a gutter assembly that includes a trough and a downspout that are configured to move together between the use position and the cleaning position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gutter assemblies are used to collect water as it flows off of a roof and to guide the water to a predetermined discharge area. Gutter assemblies generally include a trough and a downspout. Typically a trough is positioned adjacent the edge of a roof such that water flowing off the roof is collected in the trough. The trough is configured such that collected water flows in a predetermined direction toward the downspout. The downspout is positioned such that collected water flows along the trough and into the downspout. The downspout is configured such that collected water flows out of the downspout at a predetermined discharge location.

Gutter assemblies are generally intended to collect water and guide it away from a building such as a home, carport, garage, office building, or the like. Gutter assemblies can be blocked with debris and must be cleaned periodically to ensure water can flow freely therethrough. One problem with conventional gutter assemblies is that they are difficult to clean because troughs are often located in high and inaccessible positions, i.e., near an edge of a roof.

It is known to configure a gutter assembly such that the trough can be moved independently of the downspout to a dumping position such that debris falls out of the trough. A problem with this type of gutter assembly is that debris within the trough can become caught or entangled on the trough and associated structure such that direct cleaning of the trough is required. Direct cleaning is a problem because when a dumpable trough is in a dumpable position, it is still positioned near the edge of the roof and is high and generally inaccessible. Another problem with this type of gutter assembly is that debris along the length of the trough would fall substantially simultaneously from the trough onto the ground below where it might need to be collected and removed. The debris could also fall on the person that is moving the trough between the use position and the dumping position. Yet another problem with this type of gutter assembly is that the downspout is not moved to a more accessible position and would still be difficult to access for cleaning.

The present invention addresses these problems by providing a gutter assembly that includes a trough and a downspout that are configured to be moved between a use position and a cleaning position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of present invention, there is provided a gutter assembly configured for removing water from a structure. The gutter assembly is also configured to be moved to a position for accessible cleaning. The gutter assembly includes a trough having an opening configured to provide for the flow of water from the trough. A downspout is positioned near the trough and configured to convey water away from the trough. The trough and the downspout are configured to move together between a raised position and a lowered position.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a gutter assembly configured for easy accessibility during cleaning. The gutter assembly includes a trough that is configured to receive water from a roof, and a downspout that is configured to receive water from the trough. A frame is provided that is configured to support the trough and the downspout. The frame is configured to move between a collecting first position and a clean out second position. When the frame is in the first position, the trough is positioned near the roof such that water from the roof is collected by the trough and the trough is configured to guide collected water to the downspout. When the frame is in the second position, the trough is positioned such that it is more easily accessed for cleaning.

According to yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for cleaning a gutter, that includes the following steps: A. Providing a gutter assembly that includes a trough and a downspout that are pivotably mounted relative to a structure such that they are movable together between a position for collecting water from a roof of the structure and a cleaning position. B. Moving the gutter assembly from the collecting position such that the trough and the downspout move together. C. Positioning the gutter assembly such that the trough and downspout are accessible for cleaning. D. Cleaning the gutter assembly. E. Moving the gutter assembly from the cleaning position to the collecting position such that the gutter and the trough move together; and retaining the gutter assembly at the collecting position.

According to one aspect of the present invention the trough and the down spout are configured to pivot about an axis.

According to another aspect of the present invention the downspout includes a discharge end that is positioned away from the trough and the axis is located between the discharge end of the downspout and the trough.

According to another aspect of the present invention the downspout includes a discharge end that is positioned away from the trough and the axis is located such that the discharge of the downspout is positioned between the axis and the trough.

According to another aspect of the present invention the gutter assembly includes a frame configured such that it is attached to the structure.

According to another aspect of the present invention the frame is configured to be retained in the raised position by a latch attached to the structure.

According to another aspect of the present invention the gutter assembly is configured to be retained in the lower position by a connector having one end near the gutter assembly and one end near the structure.

According to another aspect of the present invention the connector is flexible.

According to another aspect of the present invention the downspout is spaced-apart from the trough.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the discharge end of the downspout is moved toward the structure when the gutter assembly is moved from the raised position to the lowered position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a gutter assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention showing the gutter assembly positioned in a raised position for removing water from the roof of the structure shown;

FIG. 2 is a cut-away side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2;

FIG. 3 is a cut-away side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 and showing the gutter assembly positioned between the raised position and a lowered position;

FIG. 4 is a cut-away side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 and showing the gutter assembly positioned in the lowered position;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a support frame and associated hardware configured to support a gutter trough and a downspout of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cut-away side view of alternative embodiment taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a support frame and associated hardware configured to support a gutter trough and a downspout of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a gutter assembly 10 in which the gutter assembly 10 is pivotable between a raised first position for collection of water and a lowered second position. When in the raised position, gutter assembly 10 is configured for collection and removal of water from a structure, and when in the lowered position, gutter assembly 10 is positioned such that it can be easily accessed for cleaning. As used herein, the phrase “easily accessed” refers to the ability to access a gutter assembly without climbing ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or the like. In other words, the gutter assembly can generally be accessed for cleaning by someone standing at ground level or other easily and safely accessible location.

Referring now to FIG. 1, gutter assembly 10 includes a trough 30 and a downspout 50. When in the first position, gutter assembly 10 is configured to conduct water away from a structure 20 that includes a roof 22 and eaves 24. As generally shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, trough 30 extends between a first end 32 and a second end 34. Trough 30 is generally u-shaped and includes walls 36 that project away from a bottom 38 to define a channel 42. In the illustrated embodiment, trough 30 is positioned such that bottom 38 of channel 42 slopes downwardly, away from second end 34 toward an opening formed near first end 32. In other embodiments, trough 30 is configured such that bottom 38 of channel 42 slopes away from a high point positioned between first end 32 and second end 34 in two directions: firstly, toward first end 32 and secondly toward second end 34. In such embodiments at least one opening is formed near each of first end 32 and second end 34.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 and 2, downspout 50 is generally tubular and extends from an intake end 52 toward a discharge end 54. Intake end 52 of downspout 50 is positioned near an opening of trough 30. In the illustrated embodiment, downspout 50 is directly connected to trough 30 as shown in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, downspout 50 is spaced apart from trough 30 such that water passing through the opening of trough 30 falls into intake end 52 of downspout 50. Downspout 50 defines a continuous passageway from trough 30 to discharge end 54. Discharge end 54 is positioned near a predetermined discharge location. The predetermined discharge location is generally chosen such that water flowing out of discharge end 54 is directed away from structure 20.

In one embodiment, gutter assembly 10 is formed of a lightweight metal such as aluminum in sheet form. By way of example and not limitation, it should be appreciated that gutter assembly could be formed from one of the following: metal, a steel, an alloy of steel, a natural material such as wood, a thermoplastic, and laminated structure that includes metal and a thermoplastic, and a combination thereof.

A frame 70 is provided with the present invention as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Frame 70 includes a horizontal cross piece 72 and at least one leg 74. Legs 74 are attached to trough 30 at one end and extend away from trough 30 to a pivot end 78. Each of legs 74 is attached to a hinge 82 at its respective pivot end 78. In the illustrated embodiment, hinge 82 is fixedly attached to a wall of structure 20 and is configured such that gutter assembly 10 is spaced-away from structure 20.

Hinge 82 defines an axis 84 about which the associated leg 74 is configured to pivot between the first position for use and the second position for cleaning. Axes 84 of all legs 74 are coaxial. In this regard, frame 70 is configured to pivot around a common axis 84 along the full width of frame 70. In the illustrated embodiment, axis 84 is positioned near discharge end 54 of downspout 50. In other embodiments, axis 84 is positioned between discharge end 54 and intake end 52. In these embodiments gutter assembly 10 and structure 20 are configured such that gutter assembly 10 can pivot about axis 84 as desired without structure 20 interfering with the movement of gutter assembly 10. The major components of frame 70 are shown for various embodiments in FIGS. 5 and 7.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, cross piece 72 extends between each of legs 74 and is positioned near trough 30. A latch 86 is attached to frame 70 such that frame 70 is retained in the first position. Latch 86 includes a base 88 that includes a hook 92. Base 88 is attached to the structure 20. Latch 86 also includes a bar 94 that is attached to frame 70. Hook 92 is configured to engage bar 94 such that frame 70 is retained in the first position. Hook 92 is also configured to disengage bar 94 such that frame 70 can be moved between the first position and the second position. It should be appreciated that in one embodiment, bar 94 is attached to structure 20 and base 88 is attached to frame 70.

In one embodiment, downspout 50 is attached to a leg 74 by at least one strap 96 and trough 30 is attached to legs 74 by a connector 76. Accordingly, downspout 50 and trough 30 are maintained in the first position when frame 70 is in the first position and are configured to move between the first position and the second position along with frame 70. In FIG. 3, the gutter assembly is shown in a position between the first position and the second position. A chain 89 extends between structure 20 at base 88 and leg 74. Chain 89 is configured to position gutter assembly 10 at the second position such that the second position is at a predetermined height that is suitable for cleaning as shown in FIG. 4. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, a rod 91 can be positioned to support gutter assembly 10 in the second position.

The present invention can be better understood through a description of its operation as follows. When in the first position, gutter assembly 10 is positioned near roof 22 such that water collected thereon flows from roof 22 into trough 30. In the first position, channel 42 of trough 30 operates to guide water such that it flows along toward and into downspout 50. Downspout 50 operates to guide water down, away from trough 30 to discharge end 54. In this manner, water from rain, snow, ice, or other sources is conducted away from structure 20 by gutter assembly 10.

If channel 42 or downspout 50 were to become blocked by debris such as leaves or sticks, water might not be successfully guided away from structure 20. Water that is not guided away from a structure could accumulate or remain in, on, and near structure 20 such that damage is caused. Water can promote the growth of insects, bacteria, and fungi that can harm structures. Water can also weaken support structures such as foundations by saturation or undermining. Therefore it is important to maintain gutter assembly 10 free of leaves, sticks, and other debris. To do this, periodic cleaning is conducted and gutter assembly 10 is moved from the first position to the second position as described below.

The present invention provides a method for moving the gutter assembly between the use, first position and the cleaning second position that includes the following steps. It should be appreciated that steps associated with structure having like reference numbers should be understood from a description of just one of such structures. First, referring to an exemplar latch 86, hook 92 of latch 86 is disengaged from bar 94. This step is repeated for all latches 86. Second, gutter assembly 10 is moved from the first position toward the second position such that frame 70 pivots around axis 84 to a predetermined height. A torsion spring 85 is configured to such that frame 70 is biased away from the second position. Gutter assembly 10 can be allowed to pivot about axis 84 until it reaches the full extent of chain 89, or other height as desired.

When gutter assembly 10 moves between the first position and the second position, trough 30 and downspout 50 move together. In the illustrated embodiment they are fixed to frame 70 such that they move together. It should be appreciated that trough 30 and downspout 50 can be configured such that they are self supporting and the support functions of frame 70 are incorporated into trough 30 and downspout 50. In such case, trough 30 and downspout 50 still move together between the first position for collecting water and the second position for cleaning. As gutter assembly 10 is moved, torsion spring 85 provides a force that acts against the downward motion of gutter assembly 10 such that assembly 10 is easier to move between the first position and the second position. In effect, torsion spring 85 acts as a counter balance.

After being moved to the predetermined position, gutter assembly 10 can be supported and cleaned out as desired. One advantage of the present invention is that a container such as a wheel barrow can be positioned under a section of trough 30 and debris removed directly into the wheel barrow. The wheel barrow can then be relocated to another position under a section of trough 30 to be cleaned. In this manner, debris from gutter assembly 10 can be managed easily and disposed of without being handled multiple times. Trough 30 and downspout 50 can be cleaned as commonly known by hand, by implement such as trowel or spade or rake, by water pressure, or a combination thereof. After cleaning, the above process is reversed and gutter assembly 10 is returned to the first position such that it can collect water from roof 22.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, reference numbers are shown in the 100's series and can be understood in light of the description above of similar structure designated by reference numbers in the one's series. A downspout 150 is attached to a leg 174 by at least one strap 196 and trough 130 is attached to cross piece 172 by hangers 176. Accordingly, downspout 150 and trough 130 are maintained in the first position when frame 170 is in the first position and are configured to move between the first position and the second position along with frame 170.

The present invention provides a gutter assembly that can be pivoted to provide convenient, easy, and safe access for cleaning. After cleaning is completed the gutter assembly of the present invention can easily be returned to a position for collecting water from a roof. While the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made and the Invention can be practiced in other environments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, set forth in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A gutter assembly configured for removing water from a structure and configured for accessible cleaning, the gutter assembly comprising:

a trough having an opening configured to provide for the flow of water from the trough;

a downspout positioned near the trough and configured to convey water away from the trough; and

wherein the trough and the downspout are configured to move together between a raised position and a lowered position.

2. A gutter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the trough and the down spout are configured to pivot about an axis.

3. A gutter assembly according to claim 2, wherein the downspout includes a discharge end that is positioned away from the trough and the axis is located between the discharge end of the downspout and the trough.

4. A gutter assembly according to claim 2, wherein the downspout includes a discharge end that is positioned away from the trough and the axis is located such that the discharge of the downspout is positioned between the axis and the trough.

5. A gutter assembly according to claim 4, wherein the gutter assembly includes a frame configured that is attached to the structure.

6. A gutter assembly according to claim 5, wherein the frame is configured to be retained in the raised position by a latch attached to the structure.

7. A gutter assembly according the claim 5, wherein the gutter assembly is configured to be retained in the lower position by a connector having one end near the gutter assembly and one end near the structure.

8. A gutter assembly according to claim 7, wherein the connector is flexible.

9. A gutter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the downspout is spaced-apart from the trough.

10. A gutter assembly configured for easy accessibility during cleaning, the gutter assembly comprising:

a trough configured to receive water from a roof;

a downspout that is configured to receive water from the trough

a frame that is configured to support the trough and the downspout

wherein the frame is configured to move between a collecting first position and a clean out second position, when the frame is in the first position, the trough is positioned near the roof such that water from the roof is collected by the trough and the trough is configured to guide collected water to the downspout, and when the frame is in the second position, the trough is positioned such that it is more easily accessed for cleaning.

11. A gutter assembly according to claim 10, wherein the trough and the down spout are configured to pivot about an axis.

12. A gutter assembly according to claim 11, wherein the downspout includes a discharge end that is positioned away from the trough and the axis is located between the discharge end of the downspout and the trough.

13. A gutter assembly according to claim 11, wherein the downspout includes a discharge end that is positioned away from the trough and the axis is located such that the discharge of the downspout is positioned between the axis and the trough.

14. A gutter assembly according to claim 13, wherein the gutter assembly includes a frame configured that is attached to the structure.

15. A gutter assembly according to claim 14, wherein the frame is configured to be retained in the raised position by a latch attached to the structure.

16. A gutter assembly according the claim 14, wherein the gutter assembly is configured to be retained in the lower position by a connector having one end near the gutter assembly and one end near the structure.

17. A gutter assembly according to claim 16, wherein the connector is flexible.

18. A gutter assembly according to claim 10, wherein the downspout is spaced-apart from the trough.

19. A method for cleaning a gutter, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a gutter assembly that includes a trough and a downspout that are pivotably mounted relative to a structure such that they are movable together between a position for collecting water from a roof of the structure and a cleaning position;

moving the gutter assembly from the collecting position such that the trough and the downspout move together;

positioning the gutter assembly such that the trough and downspout are accessible for cleaning;

cleaning the gutter assembly; and

moving the gutter assembly from the cleaning position to the collecting position such that the gutter and the trough move together; and retaining the gutter assembly at the collecting position.

20. A method for cleaning a gutter according to claim 19, further comprising the step of moving a discharge end of the downspout toward the structure.