With Separator; E.g., Strainer Patents (Class 52/12)
  • Patent number: 8434269
    Abstract: An eavestrough cover comprising a first side structure and a second side structure with a central planar portion intermediate the side structures, the central portion having a plurality of longitudinally extending sections with each being separated from each other by a rollback member, the rollback members extending longitudinally and having one face thereof of a C-shaped configuration, all of the rollbacks facing in the same direction, each of the longitudinally extending sections having a plurality of apertures formed therein. The rollback structure helps prevent overflow of the eavestrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Stephane Brochu
  • Publication number: 20130097943
    Abstract: An assembly of a water directing device and gutter guard method is provided. The water directing device includes a first planar body portion that rests on a building's subroof or roofing elements, a second body portion proceeding the first that is forwardly and downwardly curved, a third body portion positioned beneath the second body portion: the third body portion defining a receiving channel, and a fourth body portion that extends downward from the third body portion. The water directing device is positioned so that its second body portion is both beneath and present after the terminal edge of a roof cover. As water flows off the roof cover the second portion will direct such onto a water permeable porous material; the material prevents debris from entering an underlying rain gutter and will having water directing elements embedded within that direct and facilitate water flow through the porous material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Edward A. Higginbotham
  • Publication number: 20130091780
    Abstract: A clip for removably securing the front lip of a gutter guard having holes therethrough to the underlying front lip of a gutter having a downwardly and forwardly extending end portion. The clip comprises an elongated body with a forwardly and upwardly extending first tab at a front end thereof and a rearwardly extending second tab at a rear end thereof. The first tab can be inserted through a first hole at the front of the gutter guard with the body in an upwardly extending first position so that the first tab is located adjacent to and beneath the end portion of the gutter. The body can then be rotated downwardly toward the gutter guard to a second position wherein the first tab is moved upwardly to engage the end portion of the gutter and the second tab is received within a second hole in the gutter guard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Evelyn M. Robins
  • Patent number: 8418410
    Abstract: A rain gutter system including a gutter and at least one internal hanger, wherein the gutter includes a front wall and a back wall interconnected through a bottom and spaced-apart to cooperatively define a water-collecting channel therebetween, the front wall including a lip extending in the direction toward the back wall and a drip edge extending in a direction away from the back wall, the back wall extending upward vertically beyond the height of the front wall, and wherein the at least one hanger is positioned in the channel spaced-apart from the bottom and includes a forward flange extending upwardly from a base for being captured beneath the lip and a rear flange extending upwardly from the base and defining a support surface sloped in a direction toward the drip edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Robert Martin
  • Patent number: 8402697
    Abstract: A gutter protection system is disclosed. The system includes a gutter cover having, as viewed in cross-section when the gutter cover is installed, a front section configured for engagement with the rearward-projecting flange of the gutter, a center section covering the gutter, and a rear section configured for engagement with the hanger. The rear section has a novel compound bend configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: James E. Ealer, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8404110
    Abstract: An apparatus for diverting rainwater includes a body having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a central portion. A diverter is disposed within the central portion, and has a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion of the diverter, together with one or more walls of the body, defines a containment configured to capture rainwater that enters through the top portion. An opening in at least one of the walls of the body is configured to divert rainwater from the containment. The body also includes a bypass flow area extending through the central portion adjacent to, and separate from, the containment, where the bypass flow area has a cross-sectional area that is substantially equal to or greater than a cross sectional area of the top and bottom portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Fiskars Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew P. Block
  • Publication number: 20130067830
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rainwater gutter for mounting on a building to collect rainwater from the roof. It is shaped similar to a letter S. The rainwater flows from the roof covering onto the top section of the S shaped curved element, where, due to the contour of the gutter and surface tension will flow down from the upper curved section into the cylindrical section via the opening formed by the bottom section of the S returning to terminate as an open end close to the top section. The small opening also emits daylight thus reducing the possibility of vegetation growing in the gutter. This will reduce expensive and dangerous maintenance of eave gutters. Because the water gathered from the eave of the roof is cleaner it would reduce filtration costs for rainwater harvesting. The gutter can be formed in plastic, aluminium, copper or zinc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Oliver Sharkey
  • Patent number: 8397436
    Abstract: A gutter shield device comprising a first body portion and a second body portion laterally bordering an intermediate body portion that includes a perforated plane out of which arises upward protruding elements that contact the undersurface of a micro-mesh or screen filter comprised of eighty or more threads per inch. The gutter shield includes on the bottom of it's perforated plane at least one downwardly extending element to interdict and redirect downward any forward flowing water present on the underside of the perforated plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: MGP Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Edward A. Higginbotham
  • Patent number: 8398032
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for a gutter for buildings, the gutter including a generally channel or trough shaped body for collecting water with an internal wall having mounting means thereon, the mounting bracket including an elongated bracket body which includes an attachment section which is attachable to the building and a gutter mounting section, the gutter mounting section including a plurality of gutter support elements arranged along the gutter mounting section and aligned so as to correspond to a fall required when the gutter is in an installed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Guttering No Brackets Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Brian John Higgins
  • Publication number: 20130061537
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus that prevents rain gutters for clogging and, more particularly, a gutter guard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: FORSIGHT MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventor: FORSIGHT MANUFACTURING, INC.
  • Patent number: 8375644
    Abstract: A gutter guard constructed to be mounted on a gutter and to extend from the front to the rear thereof. The gutter guard comprises a central screen portion, a front mounting portion and a rear mounting portion. The central screen portion comprises a fine mesh top layer and a bottom support layer of expanded construction with openings of a desired size. The front mounting portion comprises a first metal sheet folded over and crimped to an adjacent front end of the screen portion. The rear mounting portion comprises a second metal sheet folded over and crimped to an adjacent rear end of the screen portion. The mesh top layer is hemmed to the bottom support layer and they are thereafter roll formed in a new and improved manner to prevent damage to the mesh top layer, to control its tension, and to provide close contact of the mesh top layer to the bottom support layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Leafsolution, LLC
    Inventor: Evelyn M. Robins
  • Patent number: 8347557
    Abstract: A gutter hanger having a mounting portion to be secured to a building frame and a support portion to engage a gutter in an operative position on the building frame. The mounting portion has first and second legs joined together to define an upwardly opening ā€œUā€ shape to receive a depending flashing portion with the mounting portion secured to a building frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Minor, Sr., Keith W. Minor, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8341892
    Abstract: A structure for awnings and arbours, comprising a supporting frame, provided with respective front columns, which are designed to support guide beams for a covering canopy and for at least one movable crosspiece, which is in turn associated with an end flap of the covering canopy. At least one collection duct for rainwater being provided with at least one sealing element, in order to prevent the penetration of water, and is also provided with at least one outlet for draining the water, which extends externally from the duct and is substantially faced towards at least one respective hole, which is defined in at least one respective tubular body, which is substantially vertical and is associated with a corresponding front column. The outlet is substantially accommodated within the hole when the crosspiece is in the configuration of maximum advancement towards the front columns and the covering canopy is completely extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Corradi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Michele Tugnoli
  • Patent number: 8341891
    Abstract: A filter for use with a rain gutter will prevent solid debris, such as leaves, from entering the gutter, but will not unduly restrict passage of rain water into and through the gutter. The filter comprises a liquid permeable strip that can be formed of a material, such as reticulated polyurethane foam. This strip is supported at the top of the gutter by a support member, which can be a thermoformed member, affixed to the underside of the strip. Legs, which can fold transversely to the strip will support the strip above the bottom of the gutter. When the legs are in a flat configuration, multiple filter members can be stacked for storage and shipping. Installation is essentially toolless and the filters can be cut to length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventors: Mark Pavlansky, Keith Pavlansky, Stephen Larson Harper
  • Publication number: 20120324803
    Abstract: A rainwater catching and plant watering device includes a collecting member forming a rainwater holding area, the collecting member configured to be attached to a portion of a building from which rainwater will flow. There is at least one opening in the collecting member for receiving rainwater flowing from the building. A flow connector directs rainwater in the water holding area to plants or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Selby Sullivan, Ronald G. Presswood, JR.
  • Patent number: 8322082
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gutter cover comprising a elongated member adapted to fit over an existing gutter having a plurality of perforations to permit water flow and prevent clogging of the gutter with debris. The gutter cover has two raised areas on its surface to create three channels for water flow. The gutter cover can be fastened to a gutter without fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Horst Neumann
  • Patent number: 8317353
    Abstract: A decorative roof light covering system includes a roof overhang that is attached to and extends downwardly from a roof. The roof overhang has a bottom edge, a first side and a second side. A plurality of decorations is attached to the bottom edge of the roof overhang. A cover includes a bottom wall that has a top side, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A first lateral wall is attached to and extends along the first lateral edge. A second lateral wall is attached to and extends along the second lateral edge. Each of the first and second lateral walls extends upwardly from the top side. A coupling assembly is attached to the roof overhang and releasably couples the cover to the roof overhang. The cover is attached to the roof overhang when the decorations are to be hidden from view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Marilyn J. Martin
  • Patent number: 8316585
    Abstract: A gutter cover having a foraminous central portion with a first side structure and a second side structure, the first side structure having an upwardly extending wall portion, a downwardly extending wall portion merging with the upwardly extending wall portion, and a flange portion extending outwardly from the downwardly extending wall portion, the second side structure having an upwardly extending portion and a flange arrangement associated with the second side structure, the foraminous central portion being formed of a flexible material to permit the central portion to bend to permit placement of the gutter cover in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Stephane Brochu
  • Patent number: 8312677
    Abstract: A filter assembly includes a filtering screen having a top surface and a bottom surface. A skeletal structure is attached to the filtering screen and has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the filtering screen contacts the top surface of the skeletal structure. The skeletal structure forms a plurality of downward extending channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: MGP Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Edward A Higginbotham
  • Patent number: 8302369
    Abstract: An angle trim (20) is provided. The angle trim (20) includes a first elongated strip (22) having first (24) and second (26) opposed ends. A second elongated strip (28) projects at an angle from an elongated side (30) of the first strip (22) along the length of the elongated side (30). A tongue member (32) extends from the first end (24) of the first strip (22) at a raised height above the upper surface of the first strip (22). A channel (34) is arranged adjacent the second end (26) of the first strip (22) above the upper surface. The channel (34) is adapted to receive the tongue member (32) of another angle trim to connect the angle trims in an end to end relationship without requiring overlap of the first strips of the angle trims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Top Idea Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Richard Jelacic
  • Publication number: 20120272586
    Abstract: A low-profile screen which allows water to pass through apertures formed therein to allow water to drain through the screen. A plurality of ridges are formed on the surface of the screen to allow water to drain at a number of different elevations, to increase the structural rigidity of the screen, to improve snow-melting, and to improve the screens reliance when compressive forces are exerted on the screen. Under compression the screen snaps into place. The ridges further promote debris being blown off of the surface of the screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Brian M. Beck, David R. Herdrich, Lance D. Bailey, Randall R. Bailey
  • Patent number: 8297000
    Abstract: A rain gutter cover comprising an elongate cover member adapted to be situated over an open trough of a rain gutter. The cover member has a first cover portion integrally extending into a second water directing portion following a rounded nose portion. An outer surface of the elongate cover member is adapted to substantially cause water passing thereover to adhere to its surface even under light rainfall conditions. The first portion includes ribs forming multiple channels configured to converge water on the first portion and facilitate initial water adherence to the nose area and to the surface of the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Drainage Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Demartini
  • Publication number: 20120247032
    Abstract: Gutter devices for keeping debris out of a gutter are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Edmund G. LOWRIE, III
  • Publication number: 20120247031
    Abstract: A rain gutter filter apparatus and method utilize a filter element of a reticulated foam material adapted for insertion into a gutter having an open top defining a top width of the gutter. The filter element has a flat top surface with a width substantially matching the top width of the gutter, a bottom surface having a width less than the top width of the filter element, and front and rear surfaces extending upward from the bottom surface of the filter element to thereby form a front and a rear open passage for water on front and rear sides of the bottom surface of the filter element when the filter element is installed into the gutter. The reticulated foam material of the filter element has a composition that is flame resistant, germicidal, mold resistant, and resistant to degradation by exposure to ultraviolet rays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: American Gutter Filter, Inc.
    Inventor: Ken Konkey
  • Patent number: 8276321
    Abstract: A gutter cover is formed through expanded metal manufacturing techniques to create alternating areas of solid metal and diamond-shaped openings to facilitate the shedding of leaves while passing water into the gutter. The gutter cover is mounted without fasteners by securing a hook portion underneath the front lip of the gutter and arcing the body portion of the gutter cover to press the rearward drip foot against the gutter and the drip hip adjacent to the fascia board into a pressure fit. The length of the gutter cover from the rearward edge to the front end being slightly longer than the corresponding length of the gutter structure. The gutter cover includes an integral drip leg projecting downwardly from the drip hip and being formed with an area of expanded metal diamond-shaped apertures to direct water into the gutter trough. A front drip lip directs water away from the gutter face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Euramax International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Benjamin Bell
  • Patent number: 8272170
    Abstract: A drain box includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion generally defines a cavity and has a bottom wall that extends below a plane defined by a generally flat roof of a building. The second portion is laterally adjacent to the first portion. The second portion has a bottom wall that extends along a portion the roof. A downspout guard is located within the cavity. The downspout guard includes a water-porous material located entirely within the first portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Paraino, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg Argentina
  • Publication number: 20120233931
    Abstract: A system for separating water from debris. A gutter cover is secured to a gutter and extends to engage the top of the roof adjacent the gutter along a contact line. The gutter cover may have a perforate surface comprising closely spaced and normally water impervious holes through the gutter cover such that water does not flow through the holes unless the water is forced through the holes or attracted through the holes. The line of contact forms an imperfect junction between the edge of the gutter cover and the roof so that water flows through the contact line and beneath the gutter cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen R. Ash, Marianne Y. Ash
  • Patent number: 8261493
    Abstract: A gutter protection device includes an elongated frame having opposite first and second edge portions, opposite first and second end portions, an elongated recessed portion in a medial portion thereof, and one or more insert panels removably secured within the recessed portion. The recessed portion extends from the frame first end portion to the frame second end portion, and includes a plurality of gutter access openings arranged longitudinally in end-to-end spaced-apart relationship. Each insert panel is removably secured within the frame recessed portion, and includes opposite first and second edge portions, opposite end portions, and opposite upper and lower surfaces. Each panel includes a plurality of spaced-apart openings formed therethrough that permit water to flow into a rain gutter. A filtering screen is secured to the insert panel lower surface and covers the insert panel openings. The filtering screen is configured to prevent the passage of debris therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Phalanx Gutter Guard, LLC
    Inventor: Shane Hedrick
  • Publication number: 20120222366
    Abstract: A cover panel to overlie the upwardly-facing opening of a rain gutter trough to block the entry into the trough of leaves and other debris which would otherwise block or restrict the flow of water from a downspout opening formed in the gutter trough. The cover includes a curved outermost end that overlies and is spaced from a front edge of the gutter trough and around which water flows into the gutter trough. The cover also includes a plurality of longitudinally-extending, spaced, parallel ridges for spreading a substantially uniform flow of water over and across the upper surface of the cover, and a plurality of longitudinally-extending rows of openings on the downstream side of the flow path of water over the cover after it has passed the ridges, to allow water to fall through the openings and into the gutter trough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Mark S. STEINBERG, Steven D. LUCAS
  • Patent number: 8250813
    Abstract: A gutter guard for mounting on a gutter. The gutter guard comprises an elongated panel extending laterally from an inner portion to an outer portion of an underlying gutter. The panel is of undulating construction and comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending, laterally spaced, elongated raised areas for retarding the flow of rain water across the panel. The raised areas are separated by longitudinally extending recess channels. The raised areas and recessed channels have a plurality of longitudinally extending, laterally spaced rows of longitudinally spaced first holes extending through the panel to enable rain water flowing outwardly across the panel to flow through the first holes into an underlying gutter. The first holes have a narrow end portion facing the inner side of the panel and expanding outwardly toward the outer side of the panel to facilitate spreading of rain water as it travels across the panel toward the outer side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Leafsolution, LLC
    Inventor: Evelyn M. Robins
  • Publication number: 20120210652
    Abstract: A gutter system to remove storm water from a roof of a dwelling comprising: a shortened downspout extending from a gutter; a lip extending from the forward side of the downspout, where the lip helps to guide the fall of water from the downspout; a collection basket positioned just below the downspout; and a screen over the collection basket, where the screen allows water to flow into the collection basket. The collection basket may further include an exit spout and may be attached to a wall of the dwelling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Shawn Seitz, April Tower
  • Publication number: 20120204494
    Abstract: A gutter insert formed of a flexible open cell porous foam has five or more sides and forms an inverted ā€œVā€ or check-mark shape. Four gutter inserts may be cut from one column of foam material, thereby reducing foam waste. The four gutter inserts may be shipped nested together in columnar form, and separated at the jobsite just before installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: FXI, Inc.
    Inventor: Jose D. M. Contreras
  • Publication number: 20120192502
    Abstract: A gutter guard for use with a K-style rain gutter includes a substantially flat center section, a guard rear flange extending from the center section and a guard lip extending from the guard rear flange. Also extending from the center section is an L-shaped guard front flange that includes a first leg joined with the center section and a second leg extending from the first leg. The guard is adapted to fit in the gutter so that a lower outside corner of the guard is nested within a first inside corner of the gutter, an upper outside corner of the guard is nested within a second inside corner of the gutter, the second leg of the guard is nested within a close inside corner of the gutter, and at least a portion of a rear wall of the gutter is nested between the guard lip and the guard rear flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Tony Glander
  • Publication number: 20120186163
    Abstract: A rain gutter guard comprises a downward leg for abutting gutter hangers when the guard is urged down into the gutter. A shoulder of the guard accommodates the shoulder of the gutter hangers. A front attachment flap secures the front of the guard to the gutter while the rear is retained by friction fit of an angled segment against the building fascia. An upstanding wall separates the central portion from the attachment flap. The central portion is inclined rearward and the attachment flap inclines to the front.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: PEAK INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventor: Simon Walker
  • Patent number: 8225556
    Abstract: This invention relates to capped gutter systems and more specifically the bracket which supports the gutter cap and onto which the gutter is mounted and affixed to the roofline. No gutter cap or screen can completely eliminate the introduction of debris into the gutter channel. The present invention meets the long felt need for a gutter system that inhibits the introduction of debris into the gutter channel and helps flush out debris that manages to accumulate in the gutter. The present invention utilizes a gutter bracket which pushes the front of the gutter down, thus forcing water and debris to collect along the front bottom edge. The act of creating a low point along the forward bottom edge of the gutter concentrates the debris in this low point and accelerates the flow of water due to the decrease in volume, thus increasing the amount of energy available within the channeled water for debris removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Russell Perry Brown
  • Patent number: 8220206
    Abstract: A rain gutter filter apparatus and method utilize a filter element of a reticulated foam material adapted for insertion into a gutter having an open top defining a top width of the gutter. The filter element has a flat top surface with a width substantially matching the top width of the gutter, a bottom surface having a width less than the top width of the filter element, and front and rear surfaces extending upward from the bottom surface of the filter element to thereby form a front and a rear open passage for water on front and rear sides of the bottom surface of the filter element when the filter element is installed into the gutter. The reticulated foam material of the filter element has a composition that is flame resistant, germicidal, mold resistant, and resistant to degradation by exposure to ultraviolet rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: American Gutter Filter, Inc.
    Inventor: Ken Konkey
  • Patent number: 8220475
    Abstract: A portable structure defining an interior volume, and configured to facilitate draining rainwater. The portable structure includes a frame including a central support and a side support shorter than the central support. A roof fabric has a first edge coupled to the central support and an opposing second edge coupled to the side support. At least a portion of the roof fabric extends downward at the second edge with respect to a ground plane to define a concavity. An apron fabric is coupled to the roof fabric at a joint. The apron fabric is configured to extend toward the ground plane. A portion of the apron fabric defines a concave cavity that extends inward with respect to the volume of the portable structure. The concave cavity is in flow communication with the concavity to define a passage configured to drain rainwater from the roof fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: North Pole Limited
    Inventors: Lee Pil Yul, Yang Wei Dong
  • Publication number: 20120174494
    Abstract: A roof gutter clearing system includes an insert situated atop a roof gutter, the insert including filtering means for allowing passage of water and retaining debris, the insert being eversible by rotation about hinges, the eversion causing the ejection of debris. The roof gutter clearing system includes a spring assembly to drive the eversion of the insert by transmission of force stored in at least one spring and an actuation assembly to tension the spring assembly and release the spring assembly to drive the eversion of the insert. A method of clearing a roof gutter of debris including the steps of trapping debris in an eversible insert, the insert being situated atop the roof gutter and operatively connected to a tensioned spring assembly; and releasing the spring assembly to apply eversive force against the insert to cause eversion of the insert and ejection of the debris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Frederick Ollison, IV
  • Patent number: 8215080
    Abstract: A gutter assembly for collecting and channelling rainwater run-off from a roof structure, including: one or more elongate gutter members; at lease one mounting bracket for pivotably mounting each gutter member at the roof structure such that each gutter member is movable between an in-use collecting and channelling position and a substantially inverted cleaning position; and, at least one actuator which acts on one or more gutter members to move the gutter member by generating a pushing force to pivot the gutter member about the mounting bracket to the cleaning position and pulling force to cause the gutter member to return to the in-use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: No-Sweat Gutters P/L
    Inventors: Raibeart W. McNeish, Liem Rossney
  • Publication number: 20120168419
    Abstract: A roof and rain gutter ice melt system and assembly provide a base panel and a cover panel. The base panel is functionally adapted to be mounted at a roof edge at the back wall of a conventional rain gutter. In one embodiment, the base panel also includes means for supporting a heat cable within it. Electrical energization of the heat cable results in the conduction of heat through the base panel and through the cover panel, the cover panel including means of overlapping and engaging the base panel. A second heat cable is disposed in the floor of the rain gutter. In an alternative embodiment, the heat cable is disposed within a roof edge panel. In either alternative embodiment, a front panel can be provided to allow the front lip of the rain gutter to be heated atop a metal gutter screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Gregory S. Bublitz
  • Publication number: 20120159868
    Abstract: The invention includes a substantially rigid body providing underlying support for a filter screen. The invention further includes at least one heating wire disposed adjacent to the body, which is formed of heat conductive material. The body is configured with multiple ribs extending up from a floor so that heat transfer from the body to the screen can occur in a variety of different locations to keep the screen sufficiently heated. The body also includes a wing for interfacing with roofing and openings to allow water filtering through the screen to migrate down into the gutter. A cover overlies a channel, which contains one or more of the heating wires. The system includes a flange attached to the body and extends into the gutter enhancing the heat transfer from the body to within the gutter to keep the water flowing in gutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Robert C. LENNEY, John R. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20120151849
    Abstract: A gutter cover having a foraminous central portion with a first side structure and a second side structure, the first side structure having an upwardly extending wall portion, a downwardly extending wall portion merging with the upwardly extending wall portion, and a flange portion extending outwardly from the downwardly extending wall portion, the second side structure having an upwardly extending portion and a flange arrangement associated with the second side structure, the foraminous central portion being formed of a flexible material to permit the central portion to bend to permit placement of the gutter cover in position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Stephane Brochu
  • Publication number: 20120144759
    Abstract: A filter assembly that has a filtering method overlying an expanded metal skeletal structure, said expanded metal employing sidewalls that are Long Way of the Diamond having their greatest length parallel to a roofs edge and whose sidewall members are angled toward oncoming water flow, the skeletal structure being attached to a filtering member. The filtering assembly able to be secured to a building by means of a hanging assembly. The hanging assembly comprising a gutter hanger with a rear double hooped element; the rear most hoop engaging an upward raised element of a receiving channel pre-fastened to a fascia board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Edward Higginbotham, Karen M. Sager
  • Patent number: 8191315
    Abstract: A combination of an eavestrough and a cover therefore, the eavestrough having a bottom wall, a rear wall and a front wall, the front wall terminating in a segment extending outwardly and downwardly from a distal end of the front wall. The cover overlies the eavestrough and has a side structure adjacent the front wall which forms a recess to receive the segment of the front eavestrough wall which extends downwardly and outwardly from a distal end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Stephane Brochu
  • Patent number: 8176687
    Abstract: A gutter system is provided to guard a gutter from the entry of leaves, debris, pine needles, twigs, and the like, and to prevent water and animals from entry. In at least one embodiment, a hanger bracket is configured to secure a gutter to a building, and configured to secure an upper gutter cover and a lower gutter cover, in a tiered, stair-step manner, to the gutter. In another embodiment a gutter system is provided that includes a gutter, an upper gutter cover, a lower gutter cover, and a hanger bracket configured to secure the gutter to a building having a roof and rainwater runoff, and configured to secure the upper gutter cover and the lower gutter cover, in a tiered, stair-step manner, to the gutter. In yet another embodiment a method for protecting gutters from debris other than rainwater runoff is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Ramon R. Roque Alonso
  • Publication number: 20120110922
    Abstract: The invention described herein relates to an apparatus that prevents rain gutters for clogging and, more particularly, a gutter guard that can be retrofitted to rain gutters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Ben Hawes
  • Publication number: 20120110923
    Abstract: A gutter guard constructed to be mounted on a gutter and to extend from the front to the rear thereof. The gutter guard comprises a central screen portion, a front mounting portion and a rear mounting portion. The central screen portion comprises a fine mesh top layer and a bottom support layer of expanded construction with openings of a desired size. The front mounting portion comprises a first metal sheet folded over and crimped to an adjacent front end of the screen portion. The rear mounting portion comprises a second metal sheet folded over and crimped to an adjacent rear end of the screen portion. The mesh top layer is hemmed to the bottom support layer and they are thereafter roll formed in a new and improved manner to prevent damage to the mesh top layer, to control its tension, and to provide close contact of the mesh top layer to the bottom support layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Evelyn M. Robins
  • Patent number: 8166712
    Abstract: A gutter insert formed of a flexible open cell porous foam has five or more sides and forms an inverted ā€œVā€ or check-mark shape. Four gutter inserts may be cut from one column of foam material, thereby reducing foam waste. The four gutter inserts may be shipped nested together in columnar form, and separated at the jobsite just before installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: FXI, Inc.
    Inventor: Jose D. M. Contreras
  • Patent number: 8152112
    Abstract: The present invention is a modular system for mounting lighting and signage. Mount components are attached to gutters by engaging the securing protuberance of the mount component with the gutter which creates tension between the gutter and the mount component. Rail components are assembled to the desired length using connector components and lights or signage are attached to a rail component using hooks. An insertion member is placed at each end of the assembled rail and the rail is guided through an opening in the mount component securing the lights or signage to the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventors: Bradley Miller, Thomas DeFer
  • Patent number: RE43555
    Abstract: An elongated strip of extruded plastics material includes a vertical rear plane adapted to seat on the rear portion of a gutter-hanging bracket. The rear vertical plane integrally connects to a second forward extending plane that joins, by means of an underlying u-shaped channel, a v-shaped perforated third plane that forces water to pool and drop through the perforations. The third plane joins, by means of an underlying u-shaped channel, a flange that projects outwardly for retaining the strip to a gutter. A filter configuration comprised of a debris repelling membrane, overlying a skeletal structure of ellipsoid rods spaced and resting on vertical planes, serves to break the forward flow of water and to channel water onto and through its integral perforated horizontal plane. The filter configuration is readily inserted into the u-shaped channels existing on the forward and rear edges of the v-shaped perforated third plane. A filter assembly is provided including a filter membrane and a skeletal structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Edward A. Higginbotham