GUTTER HANGER

Abstract

A gutter system has a gutter that has a front wall, a back wall, and a floor, and the front wall is coupled to the floor and the back wall is coupled to the floor creating a channel through which water and debris flow. The gutter system further has at least one reinforcement hanger comprising at least one leg and the at least one leg couples to the back wall via at least one crimped bend and an arched piece couples to the front wall by insertion into a bend that extends the length of the gutter. Further, the at least one reinforcement hanger has a horizonal plate extending back from the crimped bend and a vertical plate that extends upward from the horizontal plate, the vertical plate has an opening for receiving a fastener to attach the gutter to a fascia board.

Description

BACKGROUND

Gutters are tube-like implements that attach to eaves of a house in two ways. First, the gutters are attached to the fascia, which are boards that cover rafter ends. Additionally, gutters may attach to the roof of the house. Attaching gutters to fascia board along the eaves of the house is better that attaching them to the roof

The gutters funnel water away from the roof. In this regard, the water flows down the roof. The water enters the tube-like gutters, and the tube-like gutters divert the water away from the house via down spouts.

Over time, the gutters begin to sag. One reason that gutters begin to sag is clogging. That is, debris builds up in the gutter, and the water cannot exit the drainage system. When water builds up in the gutter, this often leads to water compromising the fascia board that couples to the gutter by escaping through the fastener means, e.g., a hole in the gutter that enables water to directly contact the fascia board.

FIG. 1 (Prior Art) depicts a gutter system 100 that may be installed on a house (not shown). The gutter system 100 comprises a reinforcement hanger 101 that is installed from the front 110 of the gutter to the back 111 of the gutter. Notably, gutter reinforcement hanger 101, mounts to the fascia board, or overhang eaves or eaves of a house.

The gutter hangers 101 comprises a 1800 bended hook 103. Further, the gutter bracket 101 comprises a horizontal plate 104 that couples to the hook 103. On an opposing end, the horizontal plate 104 that couples to a bended hook 105.

The gutter system 100 comprises a gutter 102 that directs water away from the house and leaves the house via down spouts (now shown). The gutter 102 comprises a back wall 107, a face wall 108, and a floor 113. The back wall 107, the face wall 108, and the floor 113 work together to form the channel 112 through which water flows. The back wall 107 typically has a straight-line profile, whereas the front wall 108 typically has an ornate S-like profile. At the top of the gutter 102, the front wall terminates with a gutter lip 109. Further, the back wall 107 comprises a notched channel 106 that tends to hold the gutter bracket.

FIG. 2 (Prior Art) depicts the gutter system 100 with the reinforcement hanger 101 installed on the gutter 102. In this regard, the back wall 107 extends upward, and the hook 103 of the reinforcement hanger 100 fits around an end 114 of the back wall 107. Further, the gutter lip 109 holds the bend 105. Thus, the gutter hangers 101 provides reinforcement to the gutter 102. Also, a fastener inserted through an opening, shown by dashed line 115, through which a fastener (not shown) inserted. Upon insertion, the fastener couples to the fascia board (not shown) that is behind the back wall 111.

This configuration tends to cause problems. If the water flowing in the channel 112 tends to rise over the fastener opening indicated by dashed line 115, water penetrates the opening and soaks the fascia board. If this occurs often, the fascia board will begin to rot. As the fascia board rots, the fastener in the opening indicated by dashed line 115 will begin to loosen. Eventually, the fastener will come out, and the gutter 102 will begin to sag.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to the drawings, the present disclosure is understood. The elements in these drawings clearly illustrate the principles pertaining to this disclosure. However, elements are not drawn to scale. Furthermore, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the views.

FIG. 1 is an exploded side cross-sectional view a gutter and a corresponding gutter hanger in the Prior Art.

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view a gutter and an installed gutter hanger in the Prior Art.

FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of a gutter and a gutter hanger in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the gutter coupled to the bracket such as is shown in FIG. 3 and showing a fascia board coupled to the bracket.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the bracket such as is shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the bracket such as is shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the bracket of FIG. 7 attached to the gutter and attached to the fascia board.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the gutter of FIG. 8 and the bracket of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a gutter system 370 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The gutter system 370 comprises a gutter 104 and a reinforcement hanger 300. In operation, the reinforcement hanger 300 attaches to the gutter providing infrastructure to avoid sag. In particularly, the gutter system 370 prevents moisture from flooding the fascia board (not shown) to which the gutter system 370 is coupled. Therefore, the gutter system 370 helps to prevent rot of the fascia board and sagging of the gutter 104.

The gutter 317 is a traditional gutter. In this regard, the gutter 104 comprises a front wall 307, a back wall 390, and a channel floor 314. The gutter 317 further comprises the floor 314. The floor 314 connects to the front wall 307 at around a 900 angle and connects to the back wall 390 at around a 90° angle.

The front wall 307 has an elaborate K-style gutter section 315. At the top of the elaborate K-style gutter section 315 is a bend 318. The bend 318 is used to grasp an arched metal piece of the reinforcement hanger 300, which will be described further herein.

The back wall 390 comprises a substantially straight cross-section 313. In the substantially straight cross-section 313 near the top of the back wall 390 is a channel 350 that extends the length of the gutter 317. When the gutter hangers 300 is installed on the gutter 317 on the straight cross-section 313, the reinforcement hanger 300 is held in place by crimping portions of the reinforcement hanger 300 to the back wall 390. In one embodiment, the bended hooks 304 and 303 are crimped onto the back wall 390 of the gutter 317.

The reinforcement hanger 300 comprises a back plate 305. The back plate 305 provides support for horizontal legs 309, 310. In addition, the back plate 305 comprises a trough 306, which is configured to extend outwardly then upwardly. The width of the trough ensures that the gutter 317 is not resting on the fascia board. The plate 305 is substantially rectangular. On a bottom of the substantially rectangular plate 305 facing opposite the gutter 317 is the trough 306 creating an offset of width d. The trough 306 ensures that the gutter 317 does not contact the fascia board (not shown).

The reinforcement hanger 300, shown exploded from the gutter 104, fits and secures to the gutter and provides support and fascia board protection from water that may flow in the channel 316.

In operation, the gutter 317 moves water along the roof line to down spouts that direct the water to the ground. This water flows through the channel 316 to the down spouts. If debris has piled up in the gutter 316, this may cause the water to build up such that it exits the opening 115 (FIG. 2), and when it exits the opening, it contacts the fascia contributing to rotting of the fascia board and eventual sagging. Further, when there is a heavy downpour, the channel 316 may contain so much water that water escapes the opening 115, rotting the fascia board, and causing sagging of the gutter 317.

Further, the reinforcement hanger 300 comprises two support legs 309 and 310, and each leg 309, 310 comprises arched metal pieces 311, 312. Further, the reinforcement hanger 300 comprises bended hooks 303, 304. The bended hooks 303, 304 grasp the top edge 320 of the back plate 305. In one embodiment, the arched metal pieces 311, 312 are coupled to the back plate 305 via crimping the arched metal pieces 311, 312. The arched metal pieces 311, 312 secure the reinforcement hanger 300 to the gutter 317 by coupling to the back plate 305.

Additionally, the reinforcement hanger 300 comprises an L-shaped connector 308. The L-Shaped connector 308 comprises a front horizontal plate 340 that extends back from the back plate 305. Further, the L-shaped connector 308 comprises a vertical plate 341 extending up from the front horizontal plate 340. In the back vertical plate 341 is an opening 342. The opening 342 is for receiving a fastener to couple the gutter 317 to the fascia plate (not shown) when the bended hooks 304 and 303 are crimped onto the back wall 390 of the gutter 317. Notably, the opening 342 is above the top edge 320 of the back wall 390. Because the opening 342 is back and offset from the gutter back wall 390, when water is flowing heavily in the channel 316 or there is debris that clogs up the water, the water cannot escape and deface the fascia board. The facia board will not rot, and there will be no sagging of the gutters.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the gutter system 370 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 shows the gutter system 390 substantially installed on a fascia board 400. The gutter system 370 comprises the gutter 104 and the reinforcement hanger 300. In operation, the reinforcement hanger 300 attaches to the gutter providing infrastructure to avoid sag. In particularly, the gutter system 370 prevents moisture from flooding the fascia board 400 to which the gutter system 370 is coupled. Therefore, the gutter system 370 helps to prevent rot of the fascia board 400 and sagging of the gutter 104.

The gutter 317 is a traditional gutter. In this regard, the gutter 104 comprises a front wall 307, a back wall 390, and a channel floor 314. The gutter 317 further comprises the floor 314. The floor 314 connects to the front wall 307 at around a 900 angle and connects to the back wall 390 at around a 90° angle.

The front wall 307 has the elaborate K-style gutter section 315. At the top of the elaborate K-style gutter section 315 is a bend 318. When installed, the bend 318 grasps the arched metal pieces 311, 312 of the reinforcement hanger 300 via friction.

The back wall 390 comprises a substantially straight cross-section 313. In the substantially straight cross-section 313 near the top of the back wall 390 is a channel 350 that extends the length of the gutter 317. When the reinforcement hanger 300 is installed on the gutter 317 on the straight cross-section 313, the reinforcement hanger 300 is held in place by bended hooks 303, 304 of the reinforcement hanger 300 to the back wall 390. In one embodiment, the bended hooks 304 and 303 are crimped onto the back wall 390 of the gutter 317 to secure the reinforcement hanger 300 to the gutter 317.

The reinforcement hanger 300 comprises the back plate 305. The back plate 305, which is substantially rectangular, provides support for horizontal legs 309, 310. In addition, the back plate 305 comprises a trough 306, which is configured to extend outwardly then upwardly. The width d of the trough ensures that the gutter 317 is not resting on the fascia board 400. Specifically, it diverts moisture from the fascia board 400.

The reinforcement hanger 300 fits on and secures to the gutter 317 and provides support and fascia board protection from water that may flow in the channel 316, as described herein

In the prior art, the gutter 111 (FIG. 1) moves and guides water along the roof line to down spouts (Not shown) that direct the water to the ground. This water flows through the channel 112 to the down spouts. If debris has piled up in the gutter 111, this may cause the water to build up such that it exits the opening 115 (FIG. 2), and when it exits the opening, it contacts the fascia board 400 contributing to rotting of the fascia board and eventual sagging. Further, when there is a heavy downpour, the channel 112 may contain so much water that water escapes the opening 115, thereby rotting the fascia board, and causing sagging of the gutter 317.

The gutter system 370 of the present disclosure comprises the reinforcement hanger 300. The reinforcement hanger 300 comprises two support legs 309 and 310, and each support leg 309, 310 comprises the arched metal pieces 311, 312. Further, the reinforcement hanger 300 comprises bended hooks 303, 304. They are bended in a U-shape. The u-shape bended hooks 303, 304 are secured over the top edge 320 of the back plate 305. The bended hooks 303, 304 can be coupled to the top of the top edge 320 of the back plate 305, via crimping. The arched metal pieces 311, 312 secure the reinforcement hanger 300 to the gutter 317 by coupling to the back plate 305.

Additionally, the reinforcement hanger 300 comprises the L-shaped connector 308. The L-Shaped connector 308 comprises the front horizontal plate 340 that extends horizontally back from the back plate 305. Further, the L-shaped connector 308 comprises a vertical plate 341 extending up from the front horizontal plate 340. In the back vertical plate 341 is an opening 342. The opening 342 is for receiving a fastener 401 (FIG. 4) to couple the gutter 317 to the fascia board 400 when the bends 304 and 303 crimp onto the back wall 390 of the gutter 317. Notably, the opening 342 is substantially above the top edge 320 of the back wall 390. Because the opening 342 is back and offset from the gutter back wall 390, when water is flowing heavily in the channel 316 or there is debris that clogs up the water, the water cannot escape and will ruin or disfigure the fascia board 400. Therefore, the facia board will not rot, and there will be no sagging of the gutter 317. Furthermore, the L-shaped connector 308 also provides an offset. That is, the back plate 305 is offset from the fascia board 400 (FIG. 14) so that moisture cannot flow to the fascia board 400.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the reinforcement hanger 300. In one embodiment, the reinforcement hanger 300 comprises legs 309 and 310 that extend across the top of the gutter 317 (FIG. 4). On one end of each leg 309, 310 is the arched metal pieces 311, 312, respectively.

The arched metal pieces 311, 312 fit within the bend 318 (FIG. 4) in the gutter 317 (FIG. 4). In this regard, the arched metal pieces 311, 312 fit upward into the bend 318, and are held in place via friction. This ensures that the reinforcement hanger 300 is secured to the front of the gutter 317.

Further, the reinforcement hanger 300 comprises a substantially rectangular opening 500 between the legs 309, 310 that terminates with the L-shaped connector 308. The L-shaped connector 308 has a horizontal plate 340 that extends back away from the legs 309, 310. The L-shaped connector also has a vertical plate 340 that extends vertically up from the horizontal plate 340, thereby forming an L. In the vertical plate 341 is the opening 342 through which a fastener is received to couple the reinforcement hanger 300 to the fascia board 400.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the reinforcement hanger 300. The reinforcement hanger 300 comprises the leg 310. On one end of the leg 310 is an arched metal piece 312 that fits within the bend 318 (FIG. 4) and secures the reinforcement hanger 300 to the face wall 307 of the gutter 307 (FIG. 4).

In addition, the reinforcement hanger 300 comprises an L-shaped connector 308. The L-shaped connector 308 comprises a horizontal plate 340 that extends back away from the leg 310. The L-shaped connector 308 also has a vertical plate 340 that extends vertically up from the horizontal plate 340, thereby forming an L. In the vertical plate 341 is the opening 342 through which a fastener is received to couple the reinforcement hanger 300 to the fascia board 400.

Further, the reinforcement hanger 300 comprises the bend 304. The bend 304 is secured to the back wall 390 of the gutter. In one embodiment, the bend 303 is crimped onto the back wall 390 of the gutter 317 with the substantially rectangular back plate 305.

FIG. 7 is a top view of another embodiment of a reinforcement hanger 700 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The difference between reinforcement hanger 700 and reinforcement hanger 300 is that the reinforcement hanger 700 comprises only one substantially rectangular leg 706.

The reinforcement hanger 700 comprises at least one arched metal piece 701. The arched metal piece 701 fits snugly in the bend 318 (FIG. 4) on the front wall 307. Thereby securing the reinforcement hanger 700 to the front wall 307 of the gutter 317 (FIG. 4).

Also, the reinforcement hanger 700 comprises at least two u-shaped bends 703, 702. The u-shaped bends 702, 703 wrap around the top edge 320 (FIG. 4) of the back wall 390 (FIG. 4) to secure the reinforcement hanger 700 to the back wall 390 of the gutter 317.

The reinforcement hanger 700 also comprises an L-shaped connector 707. The L-shaped connector 707 comprises a front horizontal plate 708 that extends back from the back plate 305 (FIG. 4). Further, the L-shaped connector 707 comprises a vertical plate 704 extending up from the front horizontal plate 708. In the back vertical plate 704 is an opening 705. The opening 705 is for receiving a fastener to couple the gutter 317 (FIG. 4) to the fascia board 400 (FIG. 4) when the bends 703, 702 are crimped onto the back wall 390 (FIG. 4) of the gutter 317. Notably, the opening 705 is above the top edge 320 (FIG. 4) of the back wall 390. Because the opening 705 is back and offset from the gutter back wall 390, when water is flowing heavily in the channel 316 or there is debris that clogs up the water, the water cannot escape and deface the fascia board 400. The facia board 400 will not rot, and there will be no sagging of the gutters.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the gutter system 900, which shows the gutter system installed on the fascia board 800. The gutter system 900 comprises a reinforcement hanger 700 and a gutter 752. In this regard, the reinforcement hanger 700 comprises at a substantially rectangular plate 706. The end of the plate 706 towards the front wall 907 comprises an arched metal piece 701. The arched metal piece 701 fits within the bend 760 that extends the length of the gutter 752 and is snugly retained via friction.

The end of the plate 706 towards the back wall 390 comprises an L-shaped connector 707. The L-Shaped connector 707 comprises a front horizontal plate 708 that extends back from the back plate 770. Further, the L-shaped connector 707 comprises a vertical plate 704 extending up from the front horizontal plate 706. In the back vertical plate 604 is an opening 705. The opening 705 is for receiving a fastener to couple the gutter 317 to the fascia plate 800 when the bend 702 is crimped onto the back wall 390 of the gutter 317. Note that there are two bends 702 and 703 (FIG. 7). Notably, the opening 705 is above the top edge 780 of the back wall 990. Because the opening 705 is back and offset from the gutter back wall 990, when water is flowing heavily in the channel 790 or there is debris that clogs up the water, the water cannot escape and deface the fascia board 800. The facia board 800 will not rot, and there will be no sagging of the gutter 752.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the gutter system 900 that comprises the reinforcement hanger 751 having a plate 906 as opposed two single legs 309, 310 (FIG. 4) connecting the front wall 907 to the back wall 990.

The gutter system 900 comprises a gutter 920 and a reinforcement hanger 901. In operation, the reinforcement hanger 901 attaches to the gutter 920 providing infrastructure to avoid sagging and is designed to avoid water contacting the fascia board 400 (FIG. 4). In particularly, the gutter system 900 prevents moisture from flooding the fascia board 400 to which the gutter system 900 is coupled. Therefore, the gutter system 900 helps to prevent rot of the fascia board and sagging of the gutter 752.

The gutter 752 is a traditional gutter. In this regard, the gutter 752 comprises a front wall 914, a back wall 990, and a channel floor 991. The floor 991 connects to the front wall 914 at around a 900 angle and connects to the back wall 990 at around a 90° angle.

The front wall 907 has an elaborate K-style gutter section 914. At the top of the elaborate K-style gutter section 914 is a bend 760. The bend 760 is used to grasp the arched metal piece 701 of the reinforcement hanger 300, which will be described further herein.

The back wall 990 comprises a substantially straight cross-section 913. When the gutter hangers 751 is installed on the gutter 752 on the straight cross-section 913, the reinforcement hanger 751 is held in place by crimping portions of the reinforcement hanger 752 to the back wall 990. In one embodiment, the bends 901 and 902 are crimped onto the back wall 990 of the gutter 752.

The reinforcement hanger 751 comprises a back plate 770. The back plate 770 provides support for the substantially rectangle plate 706. In addition, the back plate 770 comprises a trough 701, which is configured to extend outwardly then upwardly. The width of the trough ensures that the gutter 317 is not resting on the fascia board 800. The back plate 770 is substantially rectangular. On a bottom of the substantially rectangular plate 770 facing opposite the gutter 752 the front wall 914 is the trough 306 creating an offset of width d. The trough 701 ensures that the gutter 752 does not contact the fascia board 800.

The reinforcement hanger 751, shown exploded from the gutter 752, fits and secures to the gutter 752 and provides support and fascia board protection from water that may flow in the channel 790.

In operation, the gutter 752 moves water along the roof line to down spouts that direct the water to the ground. This water flows through the channel 790 to the down spouts. With traditional reinforcement hanger, if debris has piled up in the gutter 752, this may cause the water to build up such that it exits the opening in FIG. 2. When it exits the opening, it contacts the fascia board contributing to rotting of the fascia board and eventual sagging. Further, when there is a heavy downpour, the channel may contain so much water that water escapes the opening, rotting the fascia board, and causing sagging of the gutter 752.

In the present disclosure, the reinforcement hanger 752 comprises the support plate 706, the support plate 706 comprises an arched metal piece 701. The arched metal piece 701 is grasped by the bend. Further, the reinforcement hanger 751 comprises the bended hooks 901 and 902. The bended hooks 901 and 902 grasp the top edge 780 of the back plate 990. In one embodiment, the bended hooks 901 and 902 are coupled to the front plate 907 via crimping.

Additionally, the reinforcement hanger 752 comprises an L-shaped connector 707. The L-Shaped connector 707 comprises a front horizontal plate 708 that extends back from the back plate 770. Further, the L-shaped connector 708 comprises a vertical plate 704 extending up from the front horizontal plate 708. In the back vertical plate 704 is an opening 705. The opening 705 is for receiving a fastener to couple the gutter 752 to the fascia plate 800 (FIG. 8) when the bends 901, 902 are crimped onto the back wall 990 of the gutter 752. Notably, the opening 705 is above the top edge 780 of the back wall 990. Because the opening 705 is back and offset from the gutter back wall 990, when water is flowing heavily in the channel 790 or there is debris that clogs up the water, the water cannot escape and will deface the fascia board. The facia board 800 will not rot, and there will be no sagging of the gutters.

Claims

1. A gutter system, comprising:

a gutter comprising a front wall, a back wall, and a floor, and the front wall is coupled to the floor and the back wall is coupled to the floor creating a channel through which water and debris flow;

at least one reinforcement hanger comprising at least one leg, the at least one leg couples to the back wall via at least one crimped bend and an arched piece couples to the front wall by insertion into a bend that extends the length of the gutter, the at least one reinforcement hanger further comprises a horizonal plate extending back from the crimped bend and a vertical plate that extends upward from the horizontal plate, the vertical plate having an opening for receiving a fastener to attached the gutter to a fascia board.

2. The gutter system of claim 1, wherein the crimped bend makes a 1800 turn and extends into a substantially rectangular plate.

3. The gutter system of claim 2, wherein at an end of the substantially rectangular plate is a trough.

4. The gutter system of claim 3, wherein the trough extends outward to the fascia board so that the substantially rectangular plate does not touch the fascia board.

5. The gutter system of claim 1, wherein the at least one reinforcement hanger comprises two legs.

6. The gutter system of claim 5, wherein each leg couples to the front wall of the gutter by an arched metal piece.

7. The gutter system of claim 6, wherein each arched metal piece is held by a bend in a top of the front wall.

8. The gutter system of claim 7, wherein each leg has a metal bended hook that bends 180° over the back wall of the gutter.

9. The gutter system of claim 8, further comprising an L-shaped connector.

10. The gutter system of claim 9, wherein the L-shaped connector comprises a horizontal plate that extends backwardly.

11. The gutter system of claim 10, wherein L-shaped connect further comprises a vertical plate that extends upwardly from an end of the horizontal plate.

12. The gutter system of claim 11, wherein the vertical plate comprises an opening.

13. The gutter system of claim 12, wherein the vertical plate comprises an opening for receiving a fastener to fasten the at least one reinforcement hanger to the fascia board.

14. The gutter system of claim 13, wherein the at least one reinforcement hanger comprises a plate that extends downward from the bending hooks and the L-shaped connector.

15. The gutter system of claim 14, wherein at the end of the plate is a trough that offsets the fascia board from the gutter.

16. A gutter system method, comprising:

coupling a front wall of a gutter to a back wall of the gutter to a floor of a gutter to create a channel though which water and debris flow;

coupling at least reinforcement hanger to a gutter by coupling at least one leg to the back wall via at least one crimped bend;

coupling at least one and an arched metal piece couples to the front wall by insertion into a bend that extends the length of the gutter;

inserting a fastener through an opening of an L-shaped connector that extends backward from the at least one leg, the L-shaped bend comprising a horizonal plate extending back from the crimped bend and a vertical plate that extends upward from the horizontal plate,

inserting a fastener in an opening in the vertical plate the L-shaped connector offsetting the gutter from the fascia board.

17. A gutter system, comprising:

a one-piece gutter reinforcement bracket, which secures a gutter away from a fascia board;

a single screw fastened above a top edge of the gutter in an opening in the reinforcement bracket.