Cover With Surface Water Receiver At Eave Or Valley Patents (Class 52/11)
  • Patent number: 7347027
    Abstract: A guard and associated method for rain gutters includes a cap or deflector extending over a gutter of the type having a trough-shaped interior, a rear wall extending along a roof fascia, and a front lip with a channel and an end flange. A mounting bracket has a rear portion abutting the rear wall of the gutter, an upper portion supporting the deflector, and a front portion with a hook-shaped nose. The mounting bracket nose is configured for insertion under the end flange of the gutter, such that the mounting bracket is rotated rearwardly along a generally vertical arc about the nose toward the rear wall of the gutter, and shifted laterally into a skewed orientation within the gutter interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Quality Edge, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. McDonald, Tony A. Cobb
  • Patent number: 7334369
    Abstract: A rain gutter cleaning system of the invention comprises a generally planar panel, or two generally planar panels, movably secured to the bottom of the gutter. The rain gutter cleaning system includes a hinge securing one end of the generally planar panel to the gutter. One generally planar panel is normally disposed in a first position. In this first position, the generally planar panel is adjacent to, and generally parallel to, the gutter. The generally planar panel may be moved to a second position. In this second position, the generally planar panel is pivotally spaced apart from the gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: George J. Carson
  • Patent number: 7318282
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved method of making cornice assemblies and other trim members utilizing the process of pultrusion. The cornice assemblies and the other trim members made by the method of the present invention exhibit superior strength to weight ratios, low expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature and humidity, as well being less labor intensive to install.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: PN II, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Pulte
  • Publication number: 20070277446
    Abstract: An improved gutter cover system which is relatively convenient to install, with an innovative gutter bracket and gutter cover that can be installed more quickly and effectively. The gutter bracket has a bracket member, a tab member and a lip member. The bracket presents a longitudinal axis aligning the wall end and the swivel end. The bracket includes a shaft with a wall end and a swivel end. The wall end has a flange opposite from the swivel end as well as a flat portion along the longitudinal axis. The tab member extends upwardly from the bracket member, to form a slot adapted for insertion of the edge of the gutter cover. The lip member is affixed to the swivel edge, preferably by a screw. The lip member is configured to be matingly received within the lip of the gutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Edna F. Dowling, Torry B. Dowling
  • Publication number: 20070277447
    Abstract: An interface portion (1), for a siphonic system (6) which siphonic system (6) has an upstream portion (2) and a downstream portion (3), the interface portion (1) having an inlet end (10), to be in connection with the upstream portion (2), a discharge end (11), to be in connection with the downstream portion (3), the interface portion (1) being arranged to bring, in use, the upstream portion (2) in liquid connection with the downstream portion (3). The interface portion is distinguished by the inner cross section area of the interface portion (1) increasing continuously from the inlet end (10) to the discharge end (11) for a length (L) of the interface portion (1) that is at least 0.3 times the inner diameter (D) of the discharge end (11), so that the interface portion counteracts an accumulation of a gas downstream of the upstream portion (2), to facilitate priming of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Per Sommerhein
  • Patent number: 7278239
    Abstract: Gutter protector (10) comprises a profiled sheet (28) that extends over a gutter invert (24A) above a gutter floor (24) for collecting water and debris that would otherwise directly collect in the gutter invert (24A). The gutter protector (10) includes a spacer (30) for spacing adjacent profiled sheets (28) by a first gap (32) that allows water to the substantial exclusion of leaves and debris to fall through the gap (32) into the underlying gutter invert (24A). The profiled sheet (28) includes a planer liquid impervious portion (34) having an outer edge (36) adjacent an outer wall (22) of gutter (12) and an inner edge (38) disposed to lie adjacent or in substantial alignment with a lower edge (40) of a roof covering (18). A channel (48) is disposed adjacent to and extends along the inner edge (38) of planar portion (34). Channel (48) has a base (50) below the planar portion and a first wall (52) that extends between the base (50) and inner edge (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Lauriston Enterprises Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: David Lauriston West
  • Patent number: 7257933
    Abstract: In a water diversion system, in a preferred embodiment, a first fold of a deflector is disposed into a first hanger cavity and a second deflector fold is disposed into a second hanger cavity. The first fold of the deflector cooperates with the first cavity of the hanger to allow a resistance hinge-like action of the deflector. The deflector may be lifted open by compression of a curve of the deflector to remove the second fold of the deflector from the second hanger cavity. Methods are provided in which, in a preferred embodiment, a deflector-forming machine is disposed above a trough-forming machine and the deflector-forming machine is moveable forward and backward relative to the trough-forming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Senox Corporation
    Inventor: Arnold Bruce Walters
  • Patent number: 7226022
    Abstract: A cable duct coupler for coupling a first cable duct section to a second cable duct section without the need for tools, the cable duct coupler comprising a channel portion, a first outer guide element and a second outer guide element, a barb mount extending from at least one of the channel portion and the outer guide elements, and a barb having a body and first and second arms extending from the body, the barb being mounted on the barb mount, wherein at least a portion of the first arm extends at an angle between the first portion of the channel portion and the barb body and at least a portion of the second arm extends at an angle between the second portion of the channel portion and the barb body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: William A. Bernard, Charles Vander Velde, Dennis J. Waszak
  • Patent number: 7216458
    Abstract: The contoured gutter end cap has front and end walls with contours that correspond to the contours on the front wall of a length of standard gutter and thereby forms a more attractive gutter end when attached to the end of the gutter. It is formed with a bottom and three adjoining walls—a front wall, end wall and back wall. The back wall is substantially flat to allow for positioning against a vertical surface of a house or other structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Frederick A. Taouil
  • Patent number: 7188784
    Abstract: An eave gutter is provided. A downspout is operatively coupled to the gutter. A plurality of spraying components has fittings and nozzles. The fittings and nozzles are positioned at spaced locations along the gutter. A conduit couples a fluid source and the fittings and nozzles to provided fluid to the gutter. Control components are provided along the conduit to the fittings and nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventors: Michael S. Mullins, Phyllis J. Mullins
  • Patent number: 7174676
    Abstract: A device mountable to a gutter for removing debris therefrom includes an elongated shaft with proximal and distal end portions positionable within the gutter, a plurality of debris-removing members mounted about the shaft and between the proximal and distal end portions thereof, a plurality of brackets spaced along the gutter for receiving the shaft therethrough, and a mechanism for operating the device causing the debris-removing members to rotate in a select direction as desired by a user. The operating mechanism may rotate the debris-removing members in an oscillating path or unidirectional path and a sensor may also be included to selectively toggle the device between on and off modes, without direct user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Jonathan K. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 7155864
    Abstract: A liquid dispersing device includes a relatively rigid thin perforated plate having a plurality of closely spaced minute openings or holes in the form of a fine mesh. A plurality of plates are mounted on brackets secured along a side wall of a structure in the path of liquid flowing over and downward from the upper end of the wall. The liquid passing through the holes is dispersed into fine droplets with minimum agglomeration. The angle of the plate and holes determine the direction in which the droplets are dispersed. Use of the perforated plates can eliminate the usual gutter and leader structures which remove rainwater from roofs of houses and can also provide more effective cooling when mounted along internal cooling tower walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Michael W. Din
  • Patent number: 7152376
    Abstract: This invention permits use of a conventional rain gutter system and downspout, and other gutter profiles as described to be converted into a dumpable rain gutter system which can be easily cleaned. This low profile gutter tilting system, which has few moving parts, low noise level, and no unsightly housing or exposed parts, comprises a plurality of gutter supports. This system uses air or liquid as a means to activate a rotating mechanism concealed inside the supports to pivot the gutter about a common point, as to empty any debris not normally washed out of a downspout or gutter system. The system includes, in general an OG type gutter, and a gutter support, which mounts to a building facia or trim board. The gutter supports include a hinge where a first free end is connected to the back bottom edge of a gutter, and a second free end of the hinge is connected to a stationary housing that mounts to the facia board and supports a gutter. The front bottom edge is pivotally connected to the stationary housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Chris Roger Wyatt
  • Patent number: 7117642
    Abstract: An end cap for rain gutters having an overlying cover for deflecting leaves and other debris to prevent gutter and downspout clogging. The end cap includes a gutter trough closure region, for blocking water flow from the end of the gutter, and a second, above-trough closure region for blocking entry of leaves and other debris into the end of the gutter between the gutter trough and the overlying cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: The Guttershsutter Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Lee J. Brown
  • Patent number: 7104012
    Abstract: A gutter guard includes a first inclined section for insertion below shingles of a roof; a second inclined section; and a securing section securing a front end of the gutter guard to a gutter of the roof. A first S-shaped drainage section connects the first inclined section to the second inclined section, and is positioned above an open end of the gutter for draining water thereinto. A second drainage section connects the second inclined section with the securing section, and is positioned above the open end of the gutter for draining water thereinto. The drainage sections each include a forwardly facing convex surface around which water travels, and openings at positions below the convex surfaces through which water exits into the gutter. A heating wire is positioned in the S-shaped drainage section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Coskun John Bayram
  • Patent number: 7104011
    Abstract: A protection panel for a rain gutter that includes a top planar surface, a wall which extends substantially vertically downwardly from the top, a curved lower portion, and a flange which extends outwardly and forwardly from the curved portion is disclosed. The wall includes a plurality of apertures arranged in one or more rows where the apertures are staggered. The flange has a right end, a left end, and a length extending therebetween where each of the ends is raised above the length of the flange so that a gap is formed between the flange and the rain gutter when the panel is secured under the forward lip of the rain gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Charles Knight
  • Patent number: 7093689
    Abstract: A ladder support bracket (11) receives a rung of a ladder intended to be placed against the gutter (19) of a building and thus restraining it, and hence the ladder, from sideways or downwards movement. The bracket includes a first region (12) for affixing to a rigid portion of the building, a second region (13) which spans the gutter, and a third region (14) in the form of a cradle for receiving the rung of the ladder. The ladder support bracket preferably has the first region for fixing the bracket to a rigid portion of the building in the form of a relatively planar sheet like portion which may be attached by suitable fasteners, such as screws (22, 23) or the like, to the rafters (18) or other timber members of the roof support structure of the building, such as battens (21), this portion then being covered by the roofing material, whether tiles or metal roofing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: Arvo Poldmaa
  • Patent number: 7082723
    Abstract: A gutter retaining system for affixing a gutter under the eaves of a building. The gutter retaining system incorporates a gutter clip with a gutter and retaining member. The retaining member is placed along the eaves. The gutter clip has an L-portion and a back portion. The back portion includes an upper u-portion with a hanger used to slip the gutter clip over the gutter to secure it to the gutter clip. The gutter clip has a nib end with a locking tip. Nib end fits within retaining member to secure gutter clip and gutter in place along the eaves. L-portion fits between the gutter and building where an additional piece of board is included in the construction. The gutter clip is scored between the back portion and L-portion allowing separation, such as when no additional piece of board is found along the eaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Karl Gramling
  • Patent number: 7076921
    Abstract: A gutter system has the portions thereof formed to permit the ends of sections thereof to be nested one within another for forming the elements of the gutter. A contour suitable for such nesting has a vertical fascia panel, a generally vertical outer panel, and a generally horizontal floor panel joining lower edges of fascia panel and the outer panel. An arcuate portion joins the lower end of the fascia panel to the floor panel. A lip is provided along the upper edge of the outer panel with the lip of a first length of gutter fitting around the lip of a second length and the arcuate portion between the fascia panel and the floor of the first length fitted around the arcuate portion joining the fascia panel and floor of the second length to provide nesting. Fold over tabs may be provided along the upper edge of the fascia panel and the lip to lock the ends of the two lengths together, or lock the end of a length of gutter to a corner unit, a down spout drop unit, or an end cap unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Erdman O. Spradlin
  • Patent number: 7071446
    Abstract: A de-icing, snow melting and warming system is taught which utilizes a heatsink (20) consisting of a number of board strips disposed in a planer array positioned within a building structure between its exterior and interior surface. The heatsink board strips have a gap (24) therebetween in which a heating cable (42) is positioned in a continuous serpentine manner and held in place with loop clamps (44). A gap filler (48) encases the heating cable including the enclosed gap forming a homogenous closure. A low voltage power transformer (54) is attached to electrical mains providing electrical voltage reduction to the heating cable of 30 volts or less, and controls and self diagnostics regulate the power and detect anomalies within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Steven D. Bench
  • Patent number: 7051480
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for eliminating ice formation at roof edging comprising a mesh casing and salt-based fill material. The apparatus may be placed into a typical gutter assembly adjacent a roof edge. The casing is flexible and biodegradable and comprises a salt-retaining surface, a matter-engaging surface, and a plurality of mesh apertures. The mesh apertures each comprise a maximal aperture dimension. The fill material comprises a plurality of salt pellets, each pellet comprising a minimal pellet dimension. The minimal pellet dimension is greater in magnitude than the maximal aperture dimension and thus the fill material is retained by the salt-retaining surface. A portion of the fill material dissolves in water when water contacts the fill material thus forming a flowable solution. The solution inherently has a depressed freezing point for preventing ice formation. Thus, the water-based solution flowing from the apparatus functions to eliminate ice at roof edging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: William D. Dennis
  • Patent number: 7028437
    Abstract: A deck with an integrated gutter system includes at least two separated joists and a plurality of planks. Each plank includes longitudinal grooves, is disposed above and supported by the joists, has an undersurface which is juxtaposed with the joists, and is secured to the joists. The deck also includes a plurality of unitary channels. Each channel includes a pair of flanges which mate with longitudinal grooves of immediately adjacent planks. The mating of the flanges of the channel with the grooves of the planks provides the deck with an impervious gutter that extends between and along the two planks, and is located above the joists to which the planks are secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Robert F. Hauck
  • Patent number: 7010887
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for curved troughs used in gutter systems. An arcuate trough is formed with a mounting structure that employs two folds, with one fold disposed between the other fold and the outer surface of the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Senox Corpration
    Inventor: A. B. Walters
  • Patent number: 7007429
    Abstract: The downspouts attach to the building by flanges extending from the downspout. The downspouts are attachable to standard gutters and elbows. At the corner of a building, downspouts are attachable to each wall forming the corner and an insert extends between the two downspouts to create a seamless appearance. Siding, brick, or other wall covering for the building extends from the downspouts. Downspouts also can be used in a corner or building, the inside corner of a building having a pair of flanges attachable to the building. Also, the downspouts can be attachable to a post, such as on a porch. The downspout may also contain a right-angle turn. In a right-angle turn, a trap is provided for the easy cleaning of the vertical downspout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Jay Kim
  • Patent number: 6993870
    Abstract: A guard and associated method for rain gutters includes a cap or deflector extending over a gutter of the type having a trough-shaped interior, a rear wall extending along a roof fascia, and a front lip with a channel and an end flange. A mounting bracket has a rear portion abutting the rear wall of the gutter, an upper portion supporting the deflector, and a front portion with a hook-shaped nose. The mounting bracket nose is configured for insertion under the end flange of the gutter, such that the mounting bracket is rotated rearwardly along a generally vertical arc about the nose toward the rear wall of the gutter, and shifted laterally into a skewed orientation within the gutter interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Quality Edge, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. McDonald, Tony A. Cobb
  • Patent number: 6993871
    Abstract: The invention is a bracket for installing a gutter cover for ducting rainwater to a rainwater gutter, where the gutter cover prevents debris from entering the gutter. The bracket is roughly shaped like three extended fingers, where each finger is a strut. The struts converge at a junction. The various struts are a lifting strut that supports the leading hooked frontal edge of a gutter cover, a stabilizing strut that has a hooked end that interlocks with the hooked edge of a frontal rim of a gutter trough, and a bracing strut that is a leg stemming from the junction to a bottom portion of the gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Gutter Pro USA LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Roy Richard, Jason Andrew Herald, Freddie Steven White
  • Patent number: 6986222
    Abstract: A planting assembly (10) including a flexible trough member (12) which may selectively form a plurality of members which may be then selectively interconnected in any desired manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Bradley Cochran
  • Patent number: 6978577
    Abstract: A gutter assembly for use on a roof includes a gutter, a cover over the gutter, and a heater plate disposed under the cover. The cover includes a bottom surface which is at least partially covered with a heat absorbing material. The heater plate carries at least one heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: MSX, Inc.
    Inventor: Thaddeus M. Jones
  • Patent number: 6964135
    Abstract: A rain gutter clean out device has a gutter section with a bottom wall opening and a slidable cover which in one position overlies the opening and in another position uncovers the opening to allow gutter debris to be removed there through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Andrew Slodov
  • Patent number: 6959512
    Abstract: A heated guard for rain gutters includes a cap which deflects debris from the interior of the gutter. A plurality of mounting brackets are positioned within the interior of the gutter in a laterally spaced apart relationship, and are connected with an associated roof fascia. Each of the mounting brackets has an upper portion supporting the cap, and a forward portion with a horizontal slot. A hat-shaped channel extends between the mounting brackets, has a U-shaped base received in the slot of the mounting brackets, and is attached to the mounting brackets and positioned under the cap. An elongate electric heater element is positioned in the base portion of the channel, and is positively retained therein and covered by the cap. The heater element is connected with a source of electrical power to heat the heater element, the channel and the cap to melt snow and ice thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Quality Edge, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony A. Cobb
  • Patent number: 6951323
    Abstract: A new half round gutter hanger provides a stronger product and maintains circles that are interchangeable with existing shanks installed on structures. A double thickness center section has four precise holes located on an engagement surface that is more than two times larger than the prior plate. Extrusions extending from around the through-holes in the circles fit tightly in holes in the double thickness mounting extensions of the plates. A fastener inserted through a single one of the holes holds the circle supported on the plate. Engaging the rolled lip with both end hooks of a U-shaped wire spring extending from the closed slot in the opposite end completes the installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Berger Bros Co.
    Inventor: John McNichol
  • Patent number: 6944991
    Abstract: A rain gutter cover for covering the gutter, includes a large space screen a curved upper leg portion extended from a roof shingle for engaging with an upper end of the large space screen, and a plurality of supports attached to the curved front leg portion and to a lower leg portion whereby the rain gutter can keep out leaves and other debris, and allow water to enter thereinto and fall down into the gutter effectively and accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Hyun T. Kim
  • Patent number: 6944992
    Abstract: A gutter shield for protecting a gutter from the gutter shield having a mounting member secured to the gutter, a guard member with an elongated configuration and having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough to permit water drainage into the gutter, the mounting member also having a flexible sealing element extending outwardly therefrom, the flexible ceiling element being designed to seal against either the side of the gutter or a structural element. The device is suitable for many different sizes of gutters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Stéphane Brochu
  • Patent number: 6938379
    Abstract: A sheet mesh of plastics material for application to roof guttering to prevent the entry of unwanted materials into the guttering. In use the mesh is affixed along one edge to the roof and along the opposite edge (46) to the top outside edge of the guttering. The mesh comprises a first array of parallel strands (42) aligned in a first direction integrally moulded with a second array of parallel strands (44) aligned substantially at right angles to the first array. The strands (44) in the second array are made from a stiffer material than that from which the strands in the first array (42) are made. The mesh is preferably manufactured as a co-extrusion of LDPE-rich and HDPE-rich materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: LBI Holdings PTY LTD
    Inventor: Paul Anthony Groom
  • Patent number: 6935074
    Abstract: A gutter retaining system for affixing a gutter under the eaves of a building. The gutter retaining system incorporates a gutter clip with a gutter and retaining member. The retaining member is placed along the eaves. The gutter clip has an L-portion and a back portion. The back portion includes an upper u-portion with a hanger used to slip the gutter clip over the gutter to secure it to the gutter clip. The gutter clip has a nib end with a locking tip. Nib end fits within retaining member to secure gutter clip and gutter in place along the eaves. L-portion fits between the gutter and building where an additional piece of board is included in the construction. The gutter clip is scored between the back portion and L-portion allowing separation, such as when no additional piece of board is found along the eaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Karl Gramling
  • Patent number: 6931792
    Abstract: A universal end cap and associated method are provided for rain gutter debris guards of the type having a top cap extending along a roof and over the open top of an associated gutter. The universal end cap includes a generally flat, rigid cover panel with a substantially rectangular lower portion sized to extend over either end of the guard, and is severable to custom fit the end cap to a wide variety of different gutters. A pair of curved nose portions project outwardly from opposite sides of the cover panel adjacent the upper edge thereof, and are configured to close off the forward portion of the top cap at either end thereof. A mounting flange extends along at least a portion of the upper edge of the cover panel, and a retainer fastens the mounting flange to the top cap at either end thereof to prevent debris form entering between the adjacent ends of the gutter and the guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Quality Edge, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. McDonald, Tony A. Cobb
  • Patent number: 6932911
    Abstract: An insert apparatus for placement in a rain gutter includes a porous insert body including a plurality of randomly arranged filaments attached to one another to form a mat. The insert apparatus is shaped to fit within an inside channel of a rain gutter. Optionally, the apparatus may include a cover panel, comprising a screen, attached to the top of the insert body. In use, the insert apparatus is placed inside of the gutter channel so as to substantially fill part of the channel, and to block entry of debris into the gutter. When placed in the gutter channel, the insert apparatus substantially prevents foreign matter such as leaves, twigs, pine needles, etc, from collecting in the channel. The insert apparatus may be configured to leave an open flow path therebelow when installed in the gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventors: Brian M. Groth, Frank R. Groth
  • Patent number: 6904718
    Abstract: The leaf guard for gutters is an elongated sheet of enamel coated aluminum adapted to fit over the rain gutter on a house in a manner that directs water flow from the roof into the gutter while preventing leaves and other debris from entering the gutter. In a first embodiment, the guard is formed into a planar section that is secured to a roof, a curved nose section extending from the planar section, a trough under the curved section and a cornered lip extending from the trough to secure the device to the outer rim of a gutter. In a second embodiment, the guard is formed into a planar section, an inwardly bent connection section that is connected to the inner rim of a gutter, and a curved nose section that hangs over the outer rim of the gutter. The guard also has rows of elongated slits in the planar section that permit some water to drip through to prevent bees and other insects from nesting beneath the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Stephen P. Fox
  • Patent number: 6886302
    Abstract: A deck drainage system having a plurality of channeled drainage panels. The drainage panels are mounted to direct water flow transversely of the deck joists to a gutter, the panels connected to and suspended from the underside of the joists. The gutter is mounted transversely across the discharge ends of the drainage panels to collect water therefrom and direct it to a down spout. Drainage panels, which are rectangular with the individual drainage channels extending lengthwise, may be overlapped both lengthwise and widthwise to fit the perimeter of the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Anslem Jackson
  • Patent number: 6880294
    Abstract: Methods are provided for installation of a rain diversion system including formation of a deflector with a machine placed above a forming machine dedicated to formation of a trough. As trough is run from a first machine, end caps are installed where appropriate, outlet sites are punched and outlets installed for joinder with downspouts, miters are cut and a cavity structure of the hanger is brought into place to mate a containment lip of the hanger with the containment shelf of the trough. Corresponding deflector is run from a second machine and the deflector is placed on the trough as deflector attachment cavities of the hanger are used to retain deflector. In alternative methods, one cavity retains the deflector 40 for conveyance to the installation location on the structure. In either case, the entire assembly may then be transported to a location on a lower level such as ground, for example, corresponding to the eventual installation location on the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Senox Corporation
    Inventor: A. B. Walters
  • Patent number: 6854692
    Abstract: A swiveling gutter support or bracket is provided to be used to hang and support conventional existing gutters. The gutter support, when affixed to the gutter, keeps the gutter open as well as secured to the building sidewall. The gutter support has a first portion, an intermediate portion and a second portion. The first portion is adapted to be received within the gutter lip. The intermediate portion connects the first portion to the second portion and includes a swivel. In some configurations, especially using plastics, the first portion may be directly molded to the second portion, and the two portions would be able to rotate. The swivel connects the first portion to the second portion. The swivel also permits the second portion to rotate with respect to the first portion. Once rotated, the second portion aligns with the side of the house. An aperture is provided on the second portion structure. The aperture is adapted to receive a fastener such as a nail, screw or the like there through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Brandon J. Winkel
  • Publication number: 20040255522
    Abstract: A panel includes a sheet of material and an array of spaced projections on the sheet. The projections are cut and folded from the sheet, cast or molded. The projections create turbulence in drainage across the sheet, increasing drag and reducing flow velocity. The panel is mounted in a roof valley, along roof eaves above the rain gutters or anywhere that excess drainage flow velocity can create a problem. The panel is also an improved snow and ice guard for a roof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Gary A. Knudson, Patrick D. Flood, James Bradley Smith
  • Publication number: 20040250478
    Abstract: A guard and associated method for rain gutters includes a cap or deflector extending over a gutter of the type having a trough-shaped interior, a rear wall extending along a roof fascia, and a front lip with a channel and an end flange. A mounting bracket has a rear portion abutting the rear wall of the gutter, an upper portion supporting the deflector, and a front portion with a hook-shaped nose. The mounting bracket nose is configured for insertion under the end flange of the gutter, such that the mounting bracket is rotated rearwardly along a generally vertical arc about the nose toward the rear wall of the gutter, and shifted laterally into a skewed orientation within the gutter interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas A. McDonald, Tony A. Cobb
  • Publication number: 20040244302
    Abstract: The invention provides a much-needed answer to controlling excess water runoff from roofs and minimizes the overflow of a rain gutter and subsequent spillage of rainwater from a roof on the ground. It supplies an improved water flow into a rain gutter at points where the water runoff from a roof is heavier than other parts of the roof (such as between dormers) while preventing debris (such as leaves and sticks) from entering the gutter and enabling the water to flow more easily into a downspout where water can be carried away.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Horst Neumann
  • Patent number: 6826872
    Abstract: A device for protecting a gutter wherein the gutter has a generally C-shaped portion extending from a front wall thereof, the guard member having an elongated configuration with a generally planar central portion and first and second longitudinally extending sides on either side of the generally planar central portion, a plurality of apertures extending through the generally planar central portion, a first side of the guard member having an upwardly extending portion designed to fit within the recess, and a second side of the guard member having an upwardly extending wall designed to abut the rear wall of the gutter. The device and eaves trough may be secured by placing a fastening member through the rear upper wall of the eaves through and a second side of the guard member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Guy Brochu
  • Patent number: 6823630
    Abstract: A rain gutter system comprising: a gutter having a trough for receiving water formed by a front wall, a bottom wall and back wall, and a shield, said shield having an exterior edge, a top portion and an interior section integrally formed with the rear wall, said shield covering at least a portion of the trough to prevent debris from entering the trough, and said shield terminating at said exterior edge in a downwardly and rearwardly curved fashion, wherein a gap is provided between a lower end of said downwardly and rearwardly curved section of said shield and the front wall; wherein said shield has at least one step down portion positioned at point or points on said top portion of said shield; and at least one connecting means for connecting said gutter, said at least one connecting means passing through said at least one step down portion and through said rear wall into the structure to which it is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Michael J. Marra, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Marra
  • Publication number: 20040211124
    Abstract: A gutter cover assembly includes a plurality of support brackets that can be installed in spaced fashion within a gutter and a plurality of elongated deflector panels which can be detachably connected to the support brackets to extend in overlapping side-by-side fashion over the gutter, the deflector panels leaving a space between them and a front wall of the gutter so as to enable water flowing thereover to drain into the interior of the gutter while deflecting most solid debris over the front wall of the gutter. Each support bracket includes a lower member which extends between the rear wall and the front wall of the gutter, a hanger bracket at a rear end of the lower member for attachment to the rear wall of the gutter, a flange at a front end thereof and a top member supported over the lower member. The elongated deflector panels are detachably connected to the top members of the support brackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Bert A. Hardin
  • Publication number: 20040211125
    Abstract: A gutter lip mount clip for coupling a gutter deflector to a rain gutter is provided. In one embodiment, the gutter lip mount clip includes an upper portion and a lower portion having a first end connected to the upper portion and a second end. The upper portion is adapted for coupling the clip to an underside of a deflector and includes a plurality of apertures. The apertures are adapted for accepting a fastener for coupling the clip to the deflector. The lower portion is adapted to couple the clip to a gutter lip. In another embodiment, the lower portion includes a hook shaped member that engages the clip to the gutter lip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Richard L. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 6805517
    Abstract: A drainage system for a structure which does not utilize gutters and/or downspouts is disclosed. The drainage system is comprised of a trough, a plurality of interconnected conduits received within the trough, a frame member received on the plurality of interconnected conduits and a grate member received on the frame member. The drainage system is installed directly under the eaves of the structure where gutters would typically be installed. Rain water and/or melted snow drips from the eaves and passes through openings between adjacent slats in the grate member into the plurality of interconnected conduits for passage therethrough to a pond or a storm sewer system. In this manner, the drainage system for the exterior of the structure does not require the use of gutters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventor: William H. Chapek
  • Publication number: 20040187394
    Abstract: A gutter shield for protecting a gutter from the gutter shield having a mounting member secured to the gutter, a guard member with an elongated configuration and having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough to permit water drainage into the gutter, the mounting member also having a flexible sealing element extending outwardly therefrom, the flexible ceiling element being designed to seal against either the side of the gutter or a structural element. The device is suitable for many different sizes of gutters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Stephane Brochu