Cover With Surface Water Receiver At Eave Or Valley Patents (Class 52/11)
  • Patent number: 6273640
    Abstract: An irrigation ditch liner system comprises a plurality of liner sections including at least one straight conduit section and one corrugated conduit section, each conduit having a semi-cylindrical body portion defining a conduit interior diameter, vertical walls extending from the semi-cylindrical body portion, and end sections having extending end flanges with an interior diameter greater than said conduit interior diameter. A connecting joint is provided with an outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall having a interior diameter the same as the conduit interior diameter, where the outer wall of the connecting joint further defines a depending lip that captures the end flanges between the inner wall and the outer wall of the connecting joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Fast Ditch, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Suazo
  • Publication number: 20010010136
    Abstract: The rainwater drainpipe attached to the site where a building and the building stand is pulled, and this invention is related to using it as a wiring passage of the communication cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Inventor: Tomomi Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20010009083
    Abstract: A gutter enhancing device having a slot for a decorative insert. A gutter without a slot for a decorative insert onto which a decorative strip can be attached with an adhesive, or by another method, such as, for example, ultrasonic welding. A gutter endcap that can cover a gutter end and provide esthetic continuity with gutter façade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Inventor: Brian Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6260307
    Abstract: A conservatory roof comprises an eaves beam, glazing bars mounted at one end on the eaves beam and supporting glazing panels therebetween, and an insulator strip between the eaves beam head and the glazing bars to provide a thermal break.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Ultraframe (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Richardson
  • Patent number: 6256933
    Abstract: A water distributor for directing water from roofing configurations that form a roof valley to rain gutters is disclosed. The device directs the water traveling down the roof valley into the rain gutters without collecting debris or becoming clogged with leaves or twigs that may interfere with its function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Richard L. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 6254039
    Abstract: A gutter hanging bracket device includes an elongated body portion adapted to span an open top of a gutter between front and rear sides of the gutter and having a generally U-shaped cross-sectional channel construction, a forward attachment portion merging from a front end of the body portion and adapted to engage with the front side of the gutter, and a rearward attachment portion merging from a rear end of the body portion and adapted for attaching the rear side of the gutter to an adjacent external structure so as to support the body portion in a cantilevered fashion from the external structure and thereby hang the gutter adjacent to the external structure. The forward and rearward attachment portions form extensions of the body member such that the forward and rearward attachment portions both have generally U-shaped cross-sectional channel constructions continuous with that of the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Raymond G. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 6253496
    Abstract: A temporary gutter retainer includes an attachment member, support member, and lateral containment member. A bottom gusset is preferably formed behind the attachment member, support member, and lateral containment member. A top gusset is preferably formed above the junction between the attachment member and support member. At least two holes are formed through the attachment member. Each of the holes are sized to provide clearance for a suitable screw. The temporary gutter retainer is preferably used in the following manner. A first temporary gutter retainer is attached near one end of a facia board and a second temporary gutter retainer is attached near the other end of the facia board with screws and a portable power tool. The installer places the gutter segment into the first and second temporary gutter retainers. A level is placed inside the gutter segment at one of the ends thereof; the gutter segment is raised or lowered to the correct height; and the gutter segment is then attached to the facia board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: John D. Gilchrist
  • Patent number: 6253495
    Abstract: The invention relates to a metal roof plate for cleaning and maintaining the clean state of building roofs, in particular from plant growth of environmental pollution. The object of the invention is to improve the efficiency of said metal roof plate comprising a metal reacting in conjunction with moisture, said plate being produced by punching from material in the shape of a plate, and having textured reaction surface (2) with raised lumps (3) and openings (4). The object is attained in that the openings (4) of the lumps (3) are inclined in the opposite direction to the direction (A) of water discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Hugo Weber
  • Publication number: 20010004816
    Abstract: A horizontal joint between upper and lower building panels, as well as a building wall including such a horizontal joint, in which a liquid diverting arrangement includes a gutter with first and second ends and at least one aperture disposed between these ends. Also contemplated are a method and apparatus for forming at least two building panels, in which the panels have different reveal dimensions, and a method and apparatus for forming a building panel in which a first reveal portion is registered while a second reveal portion has been formed at a preselected distance therefrom. Further contemplated are a method and kit for customizably assembling a building wall, in which panels having different thickness dimensions can be interchangeably connected with one another, as well as a method and kit for customizably assembling a building wall, in which on or more decorative profile panels and one or more structural building wall panels can be interchangeably connected with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Keith Boyer
  • Patent number: 6244551
    Abstract: A ladder securing device fits within a gutter protruding from the eaves of a house. The device is made of members generally at right angles to each other. The members are elongated and board-like. A generally vertically oriented member extends lengthwise along the gutter with one edge on the bottom. A horizontal member is supported at the level of the top of the lip of the front wall of the gutter. Preferably the horizontal member extends well beyond the lip with a recess formed in the edge back almost to the gutter. The recess is preferably rectangular and long enough to accommodate the width of a ladder. If the gutter is a conventional flat bottom vertical back structure, the vertical member and the horizontal member merge at their edges in a simple right angle shape with the vertical member resting against the back wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: J. Michael Fletcher
  • Patent number: 6240680
    Abstract: An automatic downspout drain extension that automatically deploys into a downward position upon the weight of an entrained column of fluid. The automatic downspout drain extension includes a downspout member that depends from a gutter and is secured to a wall of a structure to which the gutter is mounted. The terminal end of the downspout is connected to a flexible elbow having a first end and a second end. The flexible elbow is secured between the downspout and the extension member. The extension member is an elongated conduit that includes an energy dissipater carried by the distal end of the extension member. The energy dissipater includes a liquid absorbing insert. A spring member biases the extension member in the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Luther Roy Estes
  • Patent number: 6240679
    Abstract: This invention is directed to rain gutters and, more particularly, to a gutter system for use with a dwelling that is easy to clean by an individual standing on the ground thereby alleviating the need for a ladder or an individual climbing upon the roof with the inherent dangers therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: A. Christian Smalara
  • Patent number: 6233876
    Abstract: A pivoting gutter assembly is disclosed, in which the gutter can be, during summer months, put into the horizontal collecting position to receive rainwater from the roof and to direct it to a down-spout. For the winter months and or maintenance, the gutters are swung-out to downwards vertical position below the roof cornice thus being protected from damage. The gutter system includes hangers attached to the roof, the hangers each having a bearing. A shaft is inserted into the bearing and the gutter is fixed to the shaft. The system provides for special hangers assuring the correct pitch of the gutters. Also, it contains a down-spout for location above a fixed downward collector for rainwater, thus permitting the gutters to be pivoted from horizontal to vertical position without the need to disconnect the down-spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Louis Obidniak
  • Patent number: 6226956
    Abstract: A combination of versatile and inexpensive elements are combined on site to create an impermeable assembly which collects water falling through a grating or cracks between adjacent boards of a deck and completely drains it to one or more points at a selected edge. The impermeable assembly is comprised of a plurality of peaks and valleys configured to simplify installation, conserve headroom and provide an aesthetically pleasing finished surface. In a first embodiment, a collector collects the water falling through cracks between boards spanning the space between adjacent joists from which it drains transversely to a gutter positioned beneath the joists. The gutter drains the water longitudinally to the perimeter of the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventors: Richard A. Davis, LeRoy A. Prohofsky
  • Patent number: 6219972
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing blockage of a water flow path from a gutter of a building through a downspout includes a receptacle which is rotatably supported beneath the gutter. The receptacle is movable between a collecting orientation and an emptying orientation under the influence of the weight of water and debris conducted from the gutter to the receptacle when the receptacle is in the collecting orientation. The receptacle includes a compartment having an outlet through which water passes prior to collection of debris in the compartment. As debris collects in the compartment and at least partially blocks the outlet so that water also collects in the compartment, the combined center of gravity of the receptacle and the water and debris in the compartment moves from one side of a vertical plane containing the axis about which the receptacle rotates to the opposite side of the plane. As this occurs, the receptacle is rotated from the collecting orientation to the emptying orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Matthew S. Zusy
  • Patent number: 6209826
    Abstract: The hanger body includes a hook for engaging the “Ogee” bead and a clip for slipping over the top edge of the rear wall of the gutter. It also includes a pair of upstruck tabs having openings at their upper ends semi-permanently supporting a fastener at an angle appropriate for driving. As the fastener is driven toward the clip in installation, it drives through the opening of the first tab, and collapses the second tab against the clip to serve as a washer and a reinforcement to better support the hanger and gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: John M. Pratt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6202358
    Abstract: An elongate ground gutter device designed to be substantially recessed in the ground with the central trough section thereof open above ground. The gutter device is designed to communicate with the downspout of a roof gutter to receive rain water into the trough section and transport it a distance away from the building. The gutter device comprises a trough section having vertical walls terminating in upper reinforcement sections which are supported on the ground surface, and a pair of lower horizontal flanges which are buried below ground, parallel to and underlying the reinforcement sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Janesky
  • Patent number: 6185889
    Abstract: A flat roof drainage system is disclosed which utilizes a low point column head which allows the roof to be drained at the center of a structural member located at the low point of the roof. More specifically, the low point column head is a structural extension of a building column and is adapted to permit the attachment of support beams at the column head as well as the placement of a roof drain at the center of the column head so that the roof drain can be place directly at the lowest area of the roof to eliminate standing water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventors: Dan P. Gilgan, Jerry F. Gilgan, Bobby J. Lowery
  • Patent number: 6182399
    Abstract: A gutter wing system is described, which includes a gutter wing and a collection tube which rotate about a support arm in an automatic cycle between a closed position and an open position to collect and redirect run-off water from the roof of a building, through a trough, while rejecting leaves and other debris from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Arthur Pollera
  • Patent number: 6168125
    Abstract: The invention is an adjustable bracket for supporting items on the railings of house decks. The bracket is formed of only two parts without any fasteners. The parts interlock, but can be adjusted to form a clamp around the typical rectangular cross section rail. One part is a support unit which is a simple strap with two bends in it to form two offset sections, and the second part is a clamp unit which is a hook shaped strap with a long leg and a short leg. The preferred embodiment of the connection is a slot formed in the long leg of the clamp unit into which fits a tab protruding from one section of the support unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Novelty Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Winger, Michael Salamh, Darren C. Epstein, Robert A. Frey
  • Patent number: 6164020
    Abstract: A gutter screen for preventing the accumulation of debris within a gutter is disclosed. The gutter screen has a plurality of ribs positioned to run transversely across the gutter. Each rib has a rounded first top section, the first top section having a top surface emanating circumferentially about the first top section, a V-shaped first bottom section, a first end, and a second end. The gutter screen also has a plurality of bars positioned to ran above and generally parallel to the gutter. The bars have a rounded second top section and a V-shaped second bottom section. The second top section of each bar is attached to and interconnects the first bottom sections of each rib, the ribs and the bars defining a plurality of gutter screen apertures. A roof flange for attaching the gutter screen underneath a roof shingle extends from the first end of each rib. The roof flange has a roof flange surface which is flush with the top surface of the rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Stephen J. Nitch
  • Patent number: 6164019
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a deck guttering system which is able to harness seepage from between cracks and openings in the surface of a wooden deck and to direct the seepage in a desired path, typically away from the structure which the deck is attached. The present invention includes a trough which is connected to adjacent support joists irregardless of the dimension between the support joists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Doug Salley
  • Patent number: 6151836
    Abstract: The present invention discloses in certain aspects a gutter system for connection to a structure, the structure having a top, the gutter system for receiving water flowing from the top of the structure, the gutter system having a hollow body member having a length, the hollow body member having a rear member having an upper end and a lower end, at least one step member projecting out and away from the rear member, the at least one step member extending along the length of the hollow body member, the at least one step member having an outer edge and a top surface, a front side connected at a top thereof to the outer edge of the at least one step member and at a bottom thereof to the lower end of the rear member, at least one drain hole through the front side for exit of water from within the hollow body member, and a plurality of fluid flow slots through the hollow body to permit fluid to flow into the hollow body at a lower end of the at least one step member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventors: W. Neal McGlothlin, Carlice M. McGlothlin
  • Patent number: 6151837
    Abstract: A gutter screen for covering a gutter and preventing debris from falling into the gutter. The gutter screen has an elongate sheet metal member sized and shaped to engage a portion of the gutter and to cover the gutter. The sheet metal member has a generally smooth top surface and a plurality of channels and slots. The channels extend transverse to an axis of the member and the slots extend parallel to the axis. Each channel extends downward and away from the top surface and has a lower end that defines a lower portion of the periphery of one of the slots. The channels are aligned in rows extending parallel to the axis. An unbroken portion of the smooth top surface extends between upper ends of the channels of one row and the slots in an adjacent row. The channels are formed from the material of the sheet metal member. Each channel and slot is sized so that water is directed into the channel, through the slot and into the gutter and so that debris is not trapped in the channel and the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: James Edward Ealer, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6141916
    Abstract: A drain channel having a bottom and two sidewalls. A domed strainer is attached to the bottom surrounding a drain port, spaced from both sidewalls. A rigid brace is rigidly attached to both sidewalls and to the dome. It has apertures which will pass water to all sides of the domed strainer, and provides mutual reinforcement of the strainer and the sidewalls. If desired a trough can be telescopically fitted to the drain channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Turf Tek Products, Inc.
    Inventor: George W. Shackelford
  • Patent number: 6134843
    Abstract: A gutter shield device used with gutters having inboard and outboard edges. The device includes an elongated matting having a plurality of open cones arranged in transverse and longitudinal rows, the bases of the cones defining a lower first plane and the apexes of the cones defining an upper second plane. The matting further including a pair of lateral lips extending outwardly from the bases of the cones. Also included is an elongated strip of porous fabric sufficiently smooth to prevent debris from being retained thereon. The being fabric is bonded to the cone apexes. In one embodiment, the device includes a reinforcing strip proximate its outer edge. A preferred matting is nylon embedded with carbon black and the preferred water porous fabric is a non-woven nylon-polyester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Marc Tregear
  • Patent number: 6128865
    Abstract: A fine mesh screen structure is mounted along a wall in the path of a flow of liquid to divide and split larger size liquid drops into much smaller droplets which are dispersed without agglomeration. In a preferred embodiment a series of support angle brackets are spaced along the length of a sloped roof end around the perimeter of the building. Support bars extend outwardly from the brackets to hold the mesh screen in the path of rainwater falling from the roof. The support bars may hold the mesh at an acute downward angle several inches below the roof to provide sufficient momentum for the drops to be forced through the mesh for size reduction. In another embodiment, the screen may position along an internal wall within a cooling tower in the path of water distributions to similarly reduce the size of water droplets which can be more effective for the cooling function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: Michael W. Din
  • Patent number: 6125593
    Abstract: A self-piercing gutter outlet for connecting a downspout to a gutter. The self-piercing gutter outlet includes a tubular sleeve having open top and bottom ends. An outwardly radiating upper flange is extended around the sleeve at the top end of the sleeve. The bottom end of the sleeve has a serrated lower edge therearound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventors: Darwin Randolph, Mary Randolph
  • Patent number: 6115970
    Abstract: A drainage system for a roof gutter and downspout wherein the water and debris from the gutter are directed into a housing divided into two chambers by a perforated wall which permits water to flow therethrough which the debris prevented to travel therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Daniel V. Wilczynski
    Inventor: Daniel V. Wilczynski
  • Patent number: 6098345
    Abstract: An elongate gutter cover adapted to be positioned over the open trough of a conventional rain gutter. The gutter cover is configured to deflect leaves and other debris away from the gutter. The rain water, however, follows the contour of the gutter cover into the gutter itself. The gutter cover is made from materials that are substantially entirely deformation reversible between two extreme configurations. Starting with the configuration desired in service, the gutter cover is flattened to permit coiling in a longitudinal dimension. Upon being uncoiled, the gutter cover resumes the operative configuration in which it is used. In some embodiments, the gutter cover may comprise several plastic materials that have been coformed to provide the desired characteristics. The invention provides a novel method of installing a gutter cover system with less labor and skill than has typically been required in the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventors: Robert J. Demartini, David R. Demartini
  • Patent number: 6098343
    Abstract: A gutter attachable to wall structure of a building for the reception of moisture and the discharge of same harmlessly to an exterior wall surface. The gutter includes a rear wall for disposition below a sill pan mounted in a door or window opening of the building structure. Extensions on the ends of the gutter also receive moisture from sill pan or structural surfaces of the building. Moisture from a sill pan is directed toward openings in a front wall of the gutter located above an exterior wall surface of the building structure. A trim plate conceals the openings. The extensions include convergent walls to avoid interference with the wall covering material later applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventors: Glenn E. Brown, Gregory A. Moffitt
  • Patent number: 6092339
    Abstract: The present invention provides a simple two position mounting and installation system for eavestroughing. The system is designed to provide a spring retention system using the flexibility and rigidilty of the components. The system uses a retaining member and or a gutter having spring arms to provide the spring retention system. This system normally provides an over center type securement. The invention is also directed to a two position support arrangement between a facia mounted retainer and a modified gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventors: Julie E. Hall, S. Warren Hall
  • Patent number: 6085466
    Abstract: A corner segment construction 10 for rain gutters including a pair of perpendicularly aligned inner walls 21, 22, a generally curved outer wall 23, a floor 26 connecting said walls 21, 22, and 23 together and a pair of contoured drain inserts 24, 25 disposed at the juncture 30 of the pair of perpendicularly aligned walls 21, 22 to define a generally curved rain gutter channel 27 devoid of any corners or sharp angles that would induce turbulence or promote the collection of debris in the gutter channel 27.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventors: Walter Martin, Jeanne Martin
  • Patent number: 6082052
    Abstract: A rain gutter and system created therewith in which the gutter is easily cleaned using a traditional garden hose from the ground level. The gutter has an upper lip and a lower lip between which is a continuously curved surface. This continuous curved surface, such as elliptical, provides a surface over which a stream of water from a garden hose and caught by the upper lip portion flushes debris over the lower lip. In some embodiments of the invention, vanes are used to help maintain the stream of water from spreading to obtain the maximal cleaning affect. In this manner, the gutter is easily and simply cleaned of leaves and other debris by directing a garden hose's stream of water against the upper lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Gene Kahn
  • Patent number: 6076307
    Abstract: A guttering cleaning system for cleaning of spouting and guttering in building structures includes water outlets (15) mounted to rain water guttering (12) to direct water into the guttering to flusb debris. An outlet connector (21) is provided for each water outlet (15). A supply connector (22) for releasable connection to any one of the outlet connectors (21) supplies water to the outlet connectors (21). A water supply line (25) and a connector support (45) enables remote connection and disconnection of the supply connector (22) from the ground adjacent the building, the connector support (45) comprising a support pole (46) provided with the supply connector (22) at its upper end, the supply line (25) extending up the support pole (46) to the supply connector (22). The system further includes a connection release means (50) enabling selective release of the connection between the supply connector (22) and an associated outlet connector (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Spoutmate PTY LTD
    Inventor: Anthony Frederick Kean
  • Patent number: 6073398
    Abstract: A cover for a rain gutter having a front side and cross-pieces. The cover is made from a plurality of single rectangular sheets of material and has a front area integrally connected to a back planar area. The front area has an elongated leg portion integral with and perpendicular to a lower horizontal strip of a curved front portion and extending vertically below the sheet at about a right angle to the lower horizontal portion. The elongated leg portion and the curved front portion extend the length of the sheet, except that the leg portion is partially cut to form feet for resting on the gutter cross-pieces. The feet are bent upward and forward from the leg portion so that when the cover is placed on the rain gutter, the feet hold the leg portion of the gutter cover back from the front side of the gutter so that a covered opening is formed over the gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: Paul A. Williams
  • Patent number: 6050030
    Abstract: Corrugated metal roof panels have overlapping opposite curled edge portions defining channels adjacent the ridge portions of the roof panels. Parallel spaced support rods have inner end portions which project into the channels and are secured by fasteners. The support rods project from the ends of the roof panels and have outer end portions secured by fasteners to the top flange on the outer wall of a U-shaped rain gutter. The inner wall of the gutter has a top flange secured by fasteners to the valley portions of the roof panels at the ends of the roof panels, and each valley portion has a lip projecting downwardly into the gutter. Tapered closure panels fill the corrugations above the inner wall of the gutter and have edge flanges crimped to the end portions of the roof panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Roger D. Wax, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6047502
    Abstract: An improved gutter guard that operates by capillary action to allow water to flow off the roof and into an existing gutter system, yet precludes foreign matter from entering into the gutter, thereby preventing the gutter from becoming clogged, and providing a substantially maintenance-free gutter system. Preferred embodiments are shown for both plastic and aluminum construction, and several attachment means are shown for anchoring the gutter guard to a standard gutter system. The gutter guard can be economically manufactured and easily retrofit or used in conjunction with existing gutters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventors: Thomas J. Kimmitt, Louis Toth, Clark K. Smith
  • Patent number: 6041555
    Abstract: A device for receiving run-off from gutters, comprising an elongated corner member with an L-shaped cross section for mounting along a corner of a house and an elongated hollow leader member having a generally L-shaped cross section. The corner member is mounted so that its edges lie beneath the siding of the house. The leader member is mounted on the corner member and runs vertically up the corner of the house and extends out only slightly from the siding of the house. The device also comprises a hollow upper elbow mounted on the upper portion of the leader member and extending upward and away from the leader member at an angle for connection with a gutter mounted to the edge of a roof of a house. A hollow lower elbow is mounted on the lower end of the leader member and extends downward and away from the leader member at angle. When the device is mounted on a house, run-off from the gutter flows into the upper elbow, through the leader member and out of the lower elbow and away from the house.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: George M. Alpi
  • Patent number: 6041556
    Abstract: A gutter system employs a tube such as PVC pipe to fit over the edge of a roof so that part of the roof resides within the interior of the tube. One or more fasteners such as screws secure the position of the tube. In a preferred embodiment, a first drainage spout connected to the tube collects water and other debris which can be drained out of the spout by removing a cap which is preferably located at the bottom of the spout. A second drainage spout is connected to the first and acts as an overflow spout when the first drainage spout is full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Peter S. Keller
  • Patent number: 5960591
    Abstract: A system for securing guttering to ends of balconies or terraces essentially consists of a supporting section and a gutter. Securing means are allocated to the supporting section and securing means are allocated to the gutter. Both securing means are arranged to act together to secure the gutter to the supporting section. The securing means for the supporting section consist of a support and a locking edge. The support acts as a counter-member for a suspension arm allocated to the gutter. Said suspension arm is a part of a hook-shaped suspension section. The gutter is secured to the supporting section by a bearing component which bears on the supporting arm of the supporting section and a securing member engaging behind the locking edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Schluter-Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Schluter
  • Patent number: 5960590
    Abstract: A rain gutter pipe comprising a tubular member (12), a plurality of ridges (14) disposed circumferentially thereon, a plurality of valleys (16) defined between the ridges (14) and a plurality of apertures (18) disposed circumferentially around the valleys (16). The gutter pipe is inserted into the entire length of a rain gutter system (24), and an opening (34) is provided adjacent the downspout (36). The gutter pipe is flexible, associated straight couplers (44) allow for connecting multiple runs for greater overall lengths, and associated angle couplers (48) of various configurations are used to connect runs of gutter pipe together at varying angles. Rain water flows through gutter pipe and into the downspout even when accumulated debris covers the surface of gutter pipe. The gutter pipe can also be used on flat roofs to achieve the same objectives. Resistive heating wire (60) can also be wrapped around the gutter pipe to melt snow or ice accumulated thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: David P. Hutchison
  • Patent number: 5956904
    Abstract: An improved gutter screen which includes a first screen having mesh openings, top and bottom surfaces, and first and second opposing edges. A second screen having top and bottom surfaces is positioned adjacent the first screen so that a top surface of a second screen faces the bottom surface of the first screen. The second screen also has mesh openings, and first and second opposing edges, with the first opposing edge of the second screen being fastened to the first opposing edge of the first screen to form a first edge portion and the second opposing edge of the second screen being fastened to the second opposing edge of the first screen to form a second edge portion. The first and second screens are elastically deformable to permit a user to apply hand pressure to the gutter screen and compress the first and second edge portions toward one another from an uncompressed state in order to provide a force which holds the gutter screen in place over a gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: David L. Gentry
  • Patent number: 5953861
    Abstract: A channel-shaped elongated member has a first wall which is opposite a second wall, and a floor. The second wall has a distal portion, also bifurcated into a primary wall and a secondary wall, forming a receiving channel. There is also a sealing means for forming a watertight seal between an underlayment waterproofing material and the receiving channel. In one embodiment, the receiving channel is composed of a malleable material wherein the primary wall of the receiving channel is externally marked in order to provide a guideline for crimping the channel thereby ensuring a watertight seal after the application of caulk. In another embodiment, the primary wall of the receiving channel is angled toward the secondary wall in order to firmly receive an underlayment waterproofing material, thereby forming a watertight seal when caulk is added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Frank C. Podgwaite
  • Patent number: 5950375
    Abstract: A fascia and soffit member is roll-formed from sheet metal, such as sheet aluminum, so as to have two unitary panels meeting at a juncture. One such panel, a fascia panel, extends vertically and upwardly from the juncture when the member is installed. The other panel, a soffit panel, extends horizontally from the juncture when the member is installed. The soffit panel has a distal portion spaced from the juncture and defining plural, elongate, preferential bending regions, along a selected one of which the distal portion is so as to form a wall flange that extends vertically, either upwardly or downwardly, when said member is installed. Preferably, the distal portion has a series of spaced ridges defining a series of spaced grooves, each ridge defining one of the preferential bending regions and each groove defining another of the preferential bending regions, and the ridges and the grooves collectively have a corrugated profile. In a simplified embodiment, the fascia panel is omitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: ZMC, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Zaccagni
  • Patent number: 5916092
    Abstract: A rain cover 10 prevents leaves and other debris from plugging a conventional gutter G, while rain water from the roof of a building is transmitted to the gutter by surface tension. The cover includes a main plate 14 inclined for allowing water and debris to pass by gravity from an upper portion 30 to a lower portion 32. A front portion 16 of each of a plurality of traversely spaced fins 14 extend laterally beyond an outer wall of the gutter. Pairs of adjacent fins 14 are separated by a uniform traverse gap of less than 0.05 inches to significantly increase the return of water to the gutter by surface tension with the fin walls. The cover may be economically manufactured from plastic or metal, and may be easily installed on an existing gutter system. The separation device of the present invention may be used in other applications to separate solid debris from a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Jay Chen
  • Patent number: 5911659
    Abstract: A gutter protector for preventing leaves and other debris from entering into a gutter that fits independently into standard gutter without fasteners such as nails or screws or any attachment to the roof, fascia or any other part of a building. The gutter protector consists of an inner wall which fits against the rear wall of standard gutter while seated upon the bottom wall of the gutter and a curved section that allows water to flow over the a flat section of the gutter protector through a uniform space between the gutter protector and the gutter created by a clip in the gutter protector that attaches to the gutter. The uniform space does not allow leaves or other debris larger than said uniform space to enter the gutter but maintains a space for a constant flow of water into the gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Seranco
    Inventor: Kathleen Serano
  • Patent number: 5897279
    Abstract: A gutter fastener screw is provided including a body having a cylindrical configuration with a first length and a first predetermined diameter. A tip is included having a second length less than 1/4 of the first length. The tip is coupled to a bottom end of the body and includes a screw extent having a second diameter 1/2 the first diameter with a plurality of threaded screw grooves formed in an outer surface thereof. A drill extent is integrally coupled to a bottom end of the screw extent with a drill bit groove formed in an outer surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventors: R. William Bentley, Raymond B. Zito
  • Patent number: 5896706
    Abstract: A simplified rotating gutter and bracket system wherein the arcuate gutter is reinforced along its length with multiple stabilizing rings that increase torsional strength. At least some of the stabilizing rings of the gutter are provided with protrusions called engagers. The engagers are placed relatively high on the gutter/stabilizing ring annulus, thus allowing a maximum degree of rotation before the user becomes hampered by the close proximity of a building.The bracket contains an arcuate portion adapted to receive a gutter of slightly smaller diameter. The arcuate portion of the bracket is attached to the house or building via an attachment portion and house fasteners. Preferably, the bracket is fitted over a stabilizing ring. The arcuate portion of the bracket may also be provided with a slot therein, through which the engager will protrude when the gutter is assembled with the bracket.The gutter is rotated within the bracket with the aid of a pole hook used to apply force to the gutter via the engager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Clayton D. Pike
  • Patent number: 5893239
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a gutter tilt actuator for a rain gutter system for a house, building, structure, etc., which facilitates cleaning of a gutter, and more particularly to a gutter tilt actuator, which is utilized to rotate the gutter from a water collecting position to a cleaning position and from a cleaning position to a water collecting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Inventor: Kevin N. Leahy