Abstract: The fine distributor for a liquid includes a primary distribution stage that has a plurality of outlet openings and a secondary distribution stage that has distribution gutters below the primary distribution stage. A mesh structure leads from the primary to the secondary distribution stage to further distribute the descending liquid laterally. One outlet opening or a group of outlet openings in the primary stage are associated with each guide mens and also a distribution gutter is associated with each guide means. Each guide means, by means of which liquid (23) can be directed from the at least one associated outlet opening to the secondary distribution stage, extends from the primary distribution stage to the associated distribution gutter and also through it and forms a drip edge (45) for the liquid supplied below the distribution gutter. Each guide means has at least partially a three-dimensional structuring and also a regular perforation.

Abstract: An external soffit system for a conservatory roof which prevents unwelcome insects or birds from forming nests and provides a more aesthetically appealing appearance of the conservatory. The soffit also provides a platform from which lights or speakers may be mounted. The soffit and supporting structure also provide added protection to the conservatory roof structure from the elements.

Abstract: A heating arrangement for protecting a building eave from build-up of ice and snow: The heating arrangement includes an elongated, heat conductive strip adapted for installation along a building eave and an elongated heating element extending within the strip. The strip is formed to be attached to the building eave, and includes an elongated attachment flange which is secured by a plurality of fasteners. Depending on heating requirements, two or more of the elongated heating elements, spaced from one another, can be employed, and a further heating element can be installed within any rain gutter extending along the building eave.

Abstract: A box gutter connector is in the form of a trough having first and second limbs for connection to gutters, one limb being for connection to a box gutter and having its outer surface shaped to aid spread and keying of adhesive/sealant between the connector and the box gutter.

Abstract: A one-piece molded body includes a horizontal arm that extends into a concave longitudinal recess at the front of the roof of a leaf repellant rain gutter, a vertical arm that contacts the back wall of the gutter and contacts the bottom wall of the trough of the gutter, and by referencing on the contacts, orients a fastener in a fastener support guide portion of the body so that the axis of the fastener extends through the slot opening formed by the longitudinal front of the roof and the longitudinal top of the front of the trough.

Abstract: A cleaning device for use with a gutter system includes at least a first body portion connected to the top of the gutter pipe. The cleaning device includes a downspout, connected to the gutter, with a flexible segment. The flexible segment can be extended or compressed to allow removal or insertion into a storm drainage pipe. The downspout may pivot at the flexible segment to divert water away from the structure while the cleaning device is in use.

Abstract: The invention is a spring loaded trap holding device which uses spring tension to securely hold a live animal trap upon the top horizontal plane of a gutter by means of hooking to a gutter spike for the anchoring of the trap. One end of a specific diameter and length of alloy rod is bent to form a hook for the purpose of hooking onto a gutter spike. A large stainless steel flat washer is then placed over the opposite end, followed by a compression spring and then by an aluminum sleeve. The opposite end of the alloy rod is bent to form a 90-degree angle forming a handle and trapping all component parts onto the alloy rod permanently. The gutter hook is placed through the trap from the top allowing the flat washer to rest upon the top of the trap. By applying downward pressure, the spring is then compressed, pushing the hook completely through to the bottom of the trap and is hooked onto the gutter spike, thus securing the trap to the gutter under spring tension.

Abstract: The invention is a gutter cap for ducting rainwater to a rainwater gutter, while simultaneously deflecting debris. The invention is particularly suitable for retrofitting pre-existing aluminum gutters. The gutter cap can be installed with minimum tools and with no disruption to the existing gutter. The gutter cap is comprised of a sloped cover, which uses the attraction of water to bend water around a hooked edge as it drains across the sloped cover and ducts it into the trough. The cover, which forms a roof over the gutter's trough, is mounted with mounting blocks that snap on the cross-struts supporting the gutter, and these mounting blocks interlocks with the hooked edge of the cover. An opposing longitudinal edge on the cover is attached to the fascia board of the roof using a few screws or nails.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for forming a trench of a predetermined shape. The trench-forming assembly includes a removable longitudinal form body, a pair of frame members and at least one mounting bracket assembly. The form body is capable of shaping a moldable trench forming composition poured around the form. Each frame member includes a support surface, and is in engagement with a respective side surface of the form body. The mounting bracket assemblies, each of which can include a mounting bracket and a pair of hook members, extend laterally across the top surface of the form body. In this regard, each mounting bracket assembly removably engages a downwardly facing side of the support surface of the frame members.

Abstract: Couplers for a cable trough system including a terminal end sized to receive a terminal end of a trough member along a longitudinal direction of the body. A spring may be coupled to the body for securing the terminal end of the trough member to the coupler, the spring including first and second spring arms extending generally in opposition to one another in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal direction. The spring may be received in a slot formed by the trough member. Also included may be a spring release mechanism coupled to the body, the spring release mechanism sliding in the longitudinal direction between a locked position, such that the first and second spring arms engage the terminal end of the trough, and an unlocked position, such that the first and second fingers release the first and second arms of the spring.

Abstract: A flashing assembly used to construct a flashing around a building structure, such as a chimney. The assembly includes a pair of base flashing members including flexible end sections that can be deformed to adapt to the shape of a building structure around which the flashing is applied. Further, at least one of the base flashing members may also include a flexible center portion in order to allow the base flashing member to conform to a sloped surface or saddle positioned against one end of the building structure. The assembly further includes a number of conventional tin shingles that can be positioned between the base flashing members, and a number of counter flashing members that are positioned over the base flashing members and tin shingles to waterproof the flashing assembly.

Abstract: A heating arrangement for a gutter protector, where the gutter protector extends over at least a portion of a rain gutter. The heating arrangement includes an elongated protective cap extending along at least a portion of the gutter protector and an elongated heating element extending within the protective cap. The protective cap is formed to be attached to the gutter protector, either on top of the gutter protector or underneath the gutter protector, in either instance within a channel formed in the elongated protective cap. Depending on heating requirements, two or more of the elongated heating elements, spaced from one another, can be employed, and a further elongated heating element can be installed within the rain gutter.

Abstract: A gutter protection system and method of installation is provided. In a first aspect, the gutter protection system includes a gutter cover having an upper portion and a lower portion, with the lower portion having a nose portion including a return portion that is bent downward and backward substantially toward a center region of the gutter to guide a water stream into the gutter, and a bracket for holding the gutter cover, with the bracket having a lower portion engaging the gutter and an upper portion extending above the gutter and engaging the lower portion of the gutter cover, wherein the bracket holds the gutter cover in position in relation to the gutter so that the upper portion of the gutter cover is positioned over a roof and the lower portion is positioned over the gutter at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a gutter system for channelling rainwater from a building The gutter system includes gutter sections that are interconnected with joint members having gaskets incorporated thereon. Each gutter section has a substantially hollow space defined between inner and outer walls that are spanned by a plurality of ribs.

Abstract: An apparatus for limiting ice build-up in a gutter, the apparatus deployable in a gutter which has a bottom, the apparatus comprising a housing comprising sidewalls and a base comprising a top side, the sidewalls joined to the top side of the base with the side walls defining a salt block opening through which the salt block is loadable into the housing, with one of the side walls defining a flow opening for allowing frozen precipitation to pass therethrough and contact the salt block and melt.

Abstract: A combination gutter protector and safety device for use with a ladder which is leaned against the upper part of a structural wall that is equipped with a rain gutter under the eaves. The device is secured to the fascia board of the wall in a longitudinal plane adjacent to or substantially even with the plane of the open top of the gutter in such position that it protects the gutter against deformation when the ladder is put in place. The device also serves to provide a contained recess for holding the ladder against slippage and, if desired, locking the ladder against theft. The structure of the device accomplishes the above purposes without occupying any part of the channel of the gutter and thus does not interfere with the free flow of water, leaves and other debris in the channel of the gutter.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is an enclosed rain gutter for draining water from the surface of a sloped roof and conducting it to a downspout. The invention rain gutter includes a channel that is covered by a mounting flange suitable for insertion under the material covering the roof of a building and a collecting flange connected to the mounting flange by a rounded edge. The collecting flange has openings for delivering water into the channel and features for delivering water to the openings. While the collecting flange features and openings deliver water into the channel, they also exclude debris from entering the channel and in particular they exclude debris might obstruct a downspout.

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.

Abstract: A rollable ridge vent includes an elongated panel having a pair of opposite ends and a pair of opposite sides, a plurality of first baffles depending from the panel and arranged to form a pair of first rows adjacent the sides of the panel, a plurality of second baffles depending from the panel and arranged to form a pair of second rows adjacent and at least partially overlapping the first baffles, with the first and second baffles being spaced from one another to provide a plurality of drainage spaces therebetween, a plurality of third baffles depending from the panel that are arranged in a sinusoidal pattern and disposed between the second rows of second baffles, and in which the ridge vent further includes a seal member at each end of the panel, with a generally triangular dowel formed in one of the seal members and a lug having a generally triangular socket with a constricted throat formed in the opposite seal member, the dowels and sockets being co-operable with corresponding dowels and sockets formed on

Abstract: A gutter protection system for diverting debris and collecting water in a trough of a gutter connected to a building structure is disclosed. The gutter protection system can include a cap that can be positionally fixed in place at a predetermined angle of inclination above the gutter by a support member or bracket. The bracket can be supported by and connected to a hanger that connects the gutter to the building structure. The cap can be spaced apart from the building structure, including a roof of the building structure.

Abstract: An elongate ground gutter device designed to be placed on the ground with the central trough section thereof open above ground. The gutter device is designed to receive rain water falling down from the roof into the trough section, deflect that water inward into the trough, and transport it a distance away from the building.

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.

Abstract: A gutter cover for directing the flow of rainwater from a building roof into a gutter mounted to the peripheral edge thereof while preventing debris such as leaves and twigs from entering and clogging the gutter. The cover is secured to the roof of the building such that rainwater flowing down the shingles will flow across the cover at the bottom roof line. A lower end of the cover has an arcuate nose disposed substantially above the outer edge of the gutter. The surface of the gutter is treated with one or more combinations of coatings and/or substrate textures to slow the flow of water while improving flow to the cover surface. Rainwater will flow around the arcuate nose into the gutter while debris carried by the rainwater is expelled outwardly over the edge of the gutter.

Abstract: A device for removing ice and snow from roofs (10) comprising an inflatable sleeve (19) secured to a mounting frame secured on a roof under shingles or panels (56). Inflating the sleeve (19) fractures ice and snow adhering to the top of the apparatus, causing ice and snow to fall to the ground in a controlled manner. An inflation mechanism can be provided suitably adapted to prevent moisture damage to the system, and to provide warm air to the inflatable sleeve (19) to facilitate the release of ice and snow. Alternatively, a non-inflatable flexible cover (121) can be provided and secured to an eave or side of a building, and then agitated to remove ice and snow. A flexible gutter apparatus (223) can also be provided, having a flexible gutter disposed onto rigid support frame segments and secured to its edges so that the contents of the gutter can be expelled by lifting the flexible gutter over the frame.

Abstract: An overflow chute for guttering includes an elongate member having a substantially U-shaped cross-section and includes a weir or barrier therein intermediate an overflow spout and an inlet adapted to engage a section of guttering. The inlet may include male and female coupling portions to link the chute to a standard section of guttering. The inlet may include a downpipe connector having a through-body aperture for directing rainwater into a downpipe. The aperture may be protected by a leaf guard to prevent an accumulation of debris in the downpipe.

Abstract: A trench cover for temporarily covering a trench and a rail member used in constructing the trench cover. The cover includes a pair of longitudinally extending rails, the rails being spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other. Each rail includes a web extending between an upper flange and a lower lip. The flange, web and lip form a C-shaped channel. The C-shaped channels of the cover's pair of rails face each other. A substantially flat cover member having longitudinally extending side edges is positioned within the C-shaped channels of the rails and attached to the rails.

Abstract: A drainage channel includes a conduit defining a lengthwise extending opening and an inlet defining a passageway in fluid communication with the opening. The inlet may have an exterior surface that defines a plurality of pockets spaced apart in the lengthwise direction. Concrete or another hardenable composition may fill these pockets to secure the inlet in position. The drainage channel may also include at least one saddle for supporting the conduit and an engagement member for preventing relative rotation between the conduit and the saddle. The saddle may extend about a majority of the conduit. In this regard, the saddle may include a base and a pair of upstanding arms extending outwardly therefrom. The arms are disposed on opposite sides of the conduit and converge thereabout so as to engage the conduit and prevent the conduit from floating as concrete or another hardenable composition is poured thereabout.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting a gutter and hood includes a gutter support bracket and a mating hood support bracket. The gutter support bracket provides a cantilever support for a K-type gutter by connecting the front and rear lips of the gutter. The hood support bracket fastens to the gutter support bracket such that fastener-receiving apertures defined in both brackets align. The hood is supported by an upper arm of the hood support bracket in a position to define a longitudinal gap between the hood forward lip and the gutter front lip. A fastening tool and fastener are inserted through the gap to secure the hooded gutter assembly to a structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for limiting ice build-up in a gutter, the apparatus deployable in a gutter which has a bottom, the apparatus comprising a housing comprising sidewalls and a base comprising a top side, the sidewalls joined to the top side of the base with the side walls defining a salt block opening through which the salt block is loadable into the housing, with one of the side walls defining a flow opening for allowing frozen precipitation to pass therethrough and contact the salt block and melt.

Abstract: A flashing assembly used to construct a flashing around a building structure, such as a chimney. The assembly includes a pair of base flashing members including flexible end sections that can be deformed to adapt to the shape of a building structure around which the flashing is applied. Further, at least one of the base flashing members may also include a flexible center portion in order to allow the base flashing member to conform to a sloped surface or saddle positioned against one end of the building structure. The assembly further includes a number of conventional tin shingles that can be positioned between the base flashing members, and a number of counter flashing members that are positioned over the base flashing members and tin shingles to waterproof the flashing assembly.

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.

Abstract: A new supplemental gutter support bracket designed to be incorporated upon a conventional gutter bracket by being installed upon and secured to the existing gutter bracket as well as the eave to which the gutter bracket is attached. When installed in conjunction with a conventional gutter bracket the supplemental gutter support bracket provides added strength to the gutter support system by triangulating the mounting points of the conventional gutter bracket with the mounting points of the supplemental gutter support bracket. The supplemental gutter support bracket also requires no additional mounting points to the eave or gutter while remaining invisible to the viewer on the ground after installation. The supplemental gutter support bracket also does not protrude or hang down into the gutter channel thereby impeding the flow of larger debris into the preselected gutter downspout.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gutter member (1) for collecting and channelling rainwater or snow-melt run-off at a periphery of a roof structure. The gutter member (1) includes: a channel portion (2) adapted to receive and carry away water flowing from the roof structure; and a cover portion (3) which extends above and at least partially covers the channel portion (2). The cover portion (3) is adapted to support sliding travel of solid or semi-solid material, such as snow and ice, from the roof structure over the channel portion (2) of the gutter member.

Abstract: A gutter cleaning system for cleaning an overhead gutter or the like for residential and commercial buildings. The gutter cleaning system is comprised of the gutter cleaner and plug resistant downspout cap. The gutter cleaner comprised of two pulleys mounted one on each gutter end, cord and a debris pusher slidably placed on the floor of the gutter. The pusher includes a slider body having a directionally pivotal pusher plate on one end and a cord tension spring on the other end. The cord is attached the pusher body and placed around the gutter end pulleys to make a continuous loop. The gutter cleaner is operated from a fixed gutter end location. The plug resistant downspout cap, having the top opening areas narrower than the inside areas of the downspout pipe, is placed over and in the downspout opening.

Abstract: The invention provides an attachment device for a leaf-deflection tube insertable in gutters, which tube is provided with a plurality of drain openings in the tube wall, the attachment device having a retaining rod which may be passed through the drain openings of the leaf-deflection tube and the length of which is greater than the diameter of the leaf-deflection tube, and which has a first end surrounding the front edge of the gutter and a second end attachable to the roof structure.

Abstract: A floor drain (100) comprising a bottom part (4) having at least one discharge opening (5), a front part being integral with the bottom part (4) and having a first part (3b) being inclined to said bottom part at an angle being at least 30°, such as at least 45°, preferably at least 60° more preferably at least 75° and even more preferably about 90° or at least 90° and having a flange part (3a) being horizontal or inclined to horizontal at an angle being less than 20° such as less than 17°, preferably less than 15°, such as less than 10°, more preferably less than 5°, tow side walls (2) integral with said bottom part and said first part, and a back part (1) being integral with said bottom part (4), said back part (1) extending vertically from the bottom part (4), through and above the plane defined by the flange part (3a).

Abstract: A box gutter connector is in the form of a trough having first and second limbs for connection to gutters, one limb being for connection to a box gutter and having its outer surface shaped to aid spread and keying of adhesive/sealant between the connector and the box gutter.

Abstract: A permeable retaining member defines a chamber therein. The permeable retaining members has an opening to the chamber. The chamber of the retainer member is filled through the opening with a melting substance and the opening is closed. The melting substance is adapted to permeate through the retaining member for melting proximate ice in a gutter and preventing ice dams on roofs.

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.

Abstract: A rain gutter cover is held in place above a rain gutter by a mounting clip. The cover is a sheet of water impervious material with a curved edge. The mounting clip is configured to receive and compress the curved edge of the rain gutter cover, and can be attached to a variety of rain gutter types with fasteners. The mounting clip is configured to be easily adapted to mount to a variety of rain gutter styles.

Abstract: A box gutter connector in the form of a trough having first and second limbs for connection to gutters, one limb being for connection to a box gutter and having its outer surface shaped to aid spread and keying of adhesive/sealant between the connector and the box gutter.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide deck protection systems for use with a deck structure, including planks and support structures. One embodiment provides a body having a deep end, shallow end, a trough section, and opposing side edges. The opposing side edges support the deck protection system between two parallel support structures, and water falling between the planks is captured by the trough and flows from the shallow region to the deep region to an exit located in the deep region. The water passes through the exit and a spout, preventing water from touching the supporting structures and preventing water from falling directly below the deck.

Abstract: An evestrough hanger bracket has a main bracket member and a separately made secondary bracket member. The main bracket member has front and rear end evestrough clips with the front end clip having a fastener member fitting opening. The secondary bracket member which slideably locks into engagement with the main bracket member has a tubular guide to receive the fastener member in the form of a mounting screw or nail. The guide of the secondary fastener member presents an elongated bore which aligns with and terminates at the opening through the front clip of the main bracket member.

Abstract: A new supplemental gutter support bracket designed to be incorporated upon a conventional gutter bracket by being installed upon and secured to the existing gutter bracket as well as the eave to which the gutter bracket is attached. When installed in conjunction with a conventional gutter bracket the supplemental gutter support bracket provides added strength to the gutter support system by triangulating the mounting points of the conventional gutter bracket with the mounting points of the supplemental gutter support bracket. The supplemental gutter support bracket also requires no additional mounting points to the eave or gutter while remaining invisible to the viewer on the ground after installation. The supplemental gutter support bracket also does not protrude or hang down into the gutter channel thereby impeding the flow of larger debris into the preselected gutter downspout.

Abstract: A cornice device for building structures including a crown member and a connector member. The crown member has a first end configured to attach to the roof portion of the building structure and a second end. The crown member may include an optional fascia board and an optional roof nailer member attached to the fascia board. The connector member comprises a first leg configured to cooperate with the second end of the crown member. The second leg of the connector member is configured to couple to the outer wall of the building structure. The crown member and the connector member are configured to flex during installation to accommodate for various framing variances. The cornice device also includes means for discharging water from the cornice device which is spaced apart the outer wall of the building structure so as to keep the water discharged from and off the cornice device from damaging the outer wall.

Abstract: The present invention is an enclosed rain gutter for draining water from the surface of a sloped roof and conducting it to a downspout. The invention rain gutter includes a channel that is covered by collecting surface. The collecting surface has openings that divert water into the channel by using the surface tension property of water that causes water to adhere to a surface. While the collecting surface openings divert water into the channel, they also exclude debris from entering the channel and in particular they exclude debris that would be large enough to obstruct a downspout.

Abstract: A secondary drainage system for buildings utilizing pre-manufactured exterior panels. The system drains off moisture and condensation collected in joints and on the rear wall of the panels, under circumstances where the primary exterior seal or cladding have failed. An elongated collection channel is attached in inclined relation to the rear wall of a panel. The channel includes a top cover, comprised of a trough having inclined walls and oval apertures. The lower end of the channel includes an end cap with a drain tube, connected to an upper, inner portion of a receptacle box. The receptacle box is located within a vertical joint between two adjacent panels. A lower, outer portion of the receptacle box has a one-way discharge valve. Also provided are intermediate joint gutters, having open tops and a discharge outlet positioned over the trough of a collection channel.

Abstract: A gutter shield device for mounting in the open topof a gutter attached to the edge of a roof. The gutter shield device includes an extruded uni-body comprised of a first horizontal plane that rests of the front lip of a rain gutter. The first plane has an underlying u-shped channel that joins a second downwardly angled perforated plane that directs water away from the front of a rain gutter. The second perforated plane joins, at its lower edge, an upward extending veritcal support leg. The vertical support leg joins a downwardly and inwardly extending (referenced from the top edge of the backwall of a rain gutter) perforated third plane. The combination of the second and third perforated planes, joined at the middle by an upward extending vertical support leg, form an extended v-shaped well that breaks the forward flow of water, forcing it to pool backwards encouraging it to flow through, rather than channel around, perforations.