Patent Publication Number: US-2007094940-A1

Title: Covered rain gutter system

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates generally to rain water collection devices, and more particularly, to a rain gutter and cover unit, wherein the gutter is a three-dimensional, compartmental structure that receives water from a mounted position under the extended end of a roof, wherein a grating system essentially eliminates clogging of downspouts by inhibiting the accumulation of leaves, and wherein a mounting system provides perpendicularly bi-directional support for secure placement.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      Numerous types of gutters are available for use, wherein a common problem to many, if not all such rain collection devices is the undesirable accumulation of debris and the resulting inhibition from proper functioning. Further, once cluttered with debris, most current designs do not facilitate cleaning, especially those adapted with covers.  
      Gutter covers are intended to impede the collection of leaves and other debris and thereby prevent the clogging of the gutter and downspout system. Some such covers are adapted to be retrofitted onto existing gutters. Others are integrated into a specific gutter design. However, each is disadvantageous in view of the present invention.  
      Several gutter designs exist wherein grates or screens act as the cover, or as the major component of the upper surface thereof. Although such screens and/or grates can prevent leaves or other debris from entering the gutter rainwater collection compartment, accumulated debris on top of the screens and/or grates can become a problem because collected rainwater must pass through these grates or screens to enter the main gutter compartment.  
      Another type of cover attempts to carry undesirable debris over the outside of the gutter by directing the flow of water over a series of ridges and down into an open topped gutter via increase surface tension, wherein larger debris is not intended to be directed therewith. Unfortunately, relying solely on such forces does not prevent the passage of all debris. Further, such designs intentionally limit access to the gutter to prevent debris entrance, thereby inherently limiting access for maintenance and cleaning.  
      Additionally, irrespective of the type of gutter and/or cover structure, the method by which the gutter is fastened to the building is critical, not only to the effectiveness of the gutter at redirecting rainwater, but also to the structural integrity of the guttered building. That is, over time, most traditionally mounted gutters begin to pull away from the wall, or facia. This phenomenon can result in rainwater creeping behind the. gutter, potentially causing water damage to the structure.  
      Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a rain gutter and cover unit that receives water from a mounted position under the extended end of the roof, wherein a strainer-style debris blocking system essentially eliminates the collection of unwanted leaves, seeds and other clogging materials, wherein easy access to the gutter rainwater collection compartment is facilitated, and wherein a mounting system provides bi-directional support for secure, flush placement, thereby avoiding the above-discussed disadvantages.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a covered rain gutter system, wherein an arcuate upper surface encourages the adhesion of rainwater while propelling large objects therefrom, wherein a side-mounted, easily removable grating allows the passage of rainwater, inhibits passage of small debris pieces, and facilitates access to the main gutter compartment for maintenance, and wherein an incorporated mounting system facilitates uniform structural support and easy installation.  
      According to its major aspects and broadly stated, in its preferred form, the present invention is a covered, multi-compartment rain gutter that bi-directionally mounts to facia to collect water upon exit from the peripheral edge of a roof structure, wherein surface dynamics facilitate the collection of rainwater and minimize the passage of undesirable debris to a straining-type system, wherein a grille member further limits the passage of debris into the gutter collection compartment, and wherein the overall structural design facilitates access to the gutter collection compartment for cleaning or other maintenance.  
      More specifically, the device of the present invention in its preferred form is a covered rain gutter system with a mount structure enabling flush and secure placement relative to facia, wherein an angled bracket support member is secured to the face of the facia, wherein a first gutter structural support member is defined relative to the gutter mounting surface in order to facilitate secure engagement with the angled bracket support member, and wherein a second gutter structural support member, a base support, extends below the facia and securely fastens thereto.  
      In the preferred form, the gutter body is a uniquely shaped, dual compartment unit with an upper cover compartment and a lower rainwater collection compartment, wherein the upper surface of the cover compartment incorporates a dual waterfall shape to reverse rivuletting, and the outer edge of the cover compartment defines an arcuate surface to provide increased adhesion of collected rainwater while propelling large objects from the cover surface. The arcuate outer edge of the cover compartment thus serves to facilitate the continued adhesion of collected water, thereby facilitating the unimpeded passage of the collected rainwater, without undesirable matter, into the rainwater collection compartment.  
      The preferred grate, or stripping and screening structure, defines a backward “Z”-shape profile, wherein the first or upper end thereof is positioned within a receiving port defined in the outer edge of the cover compartment, and wherein the second or lower end is held within a receiving clamp, or locking member, defined at the edge of the collection compartment, facilitating the secure, hingedly movable, yet removable positioning of the stripping and screening structure, extending between the two compartments. The removable nature of the grating, or stripping and screening structure, facilitates easy access to the interior of the rainwater collection compartment, should such access become necessary. Further, the grate-like design facilitates the stripping of debris away from the gutter, thus enabling screening of potentially clogging materials.  
      A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to facilitate uniform gutter support via secure mounting in two directions relative to the facia board.  
      Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be easily installed.  
      Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to maintain gutter positioning close to the support structure, thereby limiting water creepage therebehind.  
      Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to essentially eliminate the collection of unwanted debris.  
      Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to facilitate easy access to the gutter rainwater collection compartment.  
      Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be mounted to facia below the extended end of a roof.  
      Still yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be bi-directionally secured to facia board.  
      Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to minimize debris collection on the gutter grate or screen.  
      These and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:  
       FIG. 1A  is a cross-sectional view of a covered rain gutter system, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 1B  is a cut-away perspective view of the covered rain gutter system of  FIG. 1A ;  
       FIG. 2  is a front view of the grating of the preferred covered rain gutter system of  FIGS. 1A and 1B ;  
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional, cut-away view of a covered rain gutter system, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, showing an extended-style grating mounted in a covered rain gutter;  
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a covered rain gutter system, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 5A  is a front, cut-away view of a grating, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 5B  is a front, cut-away view of a grating, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 6A  is a front view of a grating, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional view of a covered rain gutter system, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, showing the grating of  FIG. 6A ;  
       FIG. 7A  is a front view of a grating, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and  
       FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional view of a covered rain gutter system, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, showing the grating of  FIG. 7A . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS  
      In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in the figures and/or described herein, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.  
      Referring now to FIGS.  1 A-B, the present invention in the preferred embodiment is covered rain gutter system  10 , comprising dual compartment gutter unit  20 , grate member  60 , and mount system  100 . Preferably, dual compartment gutter unit  20  is defined by upper cover compartment  22  and lower rainwater collection compartment  24 , wherein grate member  60  extends therebetween, and wherein mount system  100  is defined by upper mount  102  and lower mount  104 .  
      In the preferred form, gutter unit  20  is uniquely shaped, wherein upper wall  26  of cover compartment  22  incorporates a dual waterfall shape to reverse rivuletting of passing rainwater. Although a dual waterfall shape is preferred, as depicted in FIGS.  1 A-B, a greater or lesser number of waterfall shapes could be incorporated. Preferably, outer edge  28  of cover compartment  22  defines an arcuate shape, whereby surface  28 a facilitates adhesion of collected rainwater while propelling large objects therefrom. Surface  28 a of outer edge  28  of cover compartment  22  thus serves to direct, uninterruptedly, the collected rainwater essentially following the arcuate path of surface  28 a, wherein grate member  60  is preferably positioned to strip debris and thereby faciliate passage of the collected rainwater, without undesirable matter, into rainwater collection compartment  24 .  
      Preferably, outer edge  28  of cover compartment  22  defines first grate port  30 , preferably adapted to receive first or upper end  64  of grate member  60  therein. Extending below first grate port  30 , lower wall  32  of cover compartment  22  preferably extends in an angularly variable fashion to rear wall  34 , wherein the angular variation of lower wall  32  preferably defines first mount zone  36 , and wherein, preferably, upper wall  26 , lower wall  32  and rear wall  34  of cover compartment  22  are integrally formed. In this preferred arrangement, as first grate port  30  functionally supports upper end  64  of grate member  60 , grate member  60  is preferably functionally supporting cover compartment  22  relative to gutter unit  20 .  
      In the preferred form, lower rainwater collection compartment  24  incorporates portion  38  of lower wall  32  of upper cover compartment  22 , wherein portion  38  of lower wall  32  is a component of and preferably integrally related to upper wall  40  of rainwater collection compartment  24 . Preferably, lower rainwater collection compartment  24  is integrally related to upper cover compartment  22 , where rainwater collection compartment  24  is preferably defined by upper wall  40 , rear wall  42 , and bottom wall  44 . Bottom wall  44  preferably defines a “V”-shape, wherein first end  46  thereof preferably extends outwardly from rear wall  42 , defining second mount zone  48 . Second end  50  of bottom wall  44  preferably defines second grate port  52 , preferably adapted to receive second or lower end  66  of grate member  60  therein, thereby facilitating the supportive function of grate member  60  relative to gutter unit  20 .  
      Preferably, grate member  60  extends between first grate port  30  and second grate port  52 , wherein grate member  60  preferably defines a backward “Z”-shape profile, or cross-section. Preferably, plurality of elongated bars  68  define grate member  60 , thereby facilitating the collection and adherence of rainwater to the surface area thereof, and the passage of collected rainwater therethrough and into rainwater collection compartment  24 , while coincidently preventing the passage of debris. It is important to note that although it is convenient to refer to grate member  60  as a grate, this word choice is not intended to be limiting in any way. That is, grate member  60  could be any suitable strainer, sieve, filter, screen, porous trap, mesh, web, lattice, and/or grille-type structure capable of facilitating the stripping away of undesirable debris while permitting the passage of water therethrough.  
      Preferably, grate member  60  is hingedly held between first grate port  30  and second grate port  52 , wherein user access into rainwater collection compartment  24  is enabled without necessitating complete removal of grate member  60 . It is noted, however, that in the preferred embodiment, grate member  60  is intended to be fully removable.  
      Preferred mount system  100  is defined at first mount zone  36  and second mount zone  48  by upper mount  102  and lower mount  104 , respectively. Preferably, lower mount  104  is defined by second mount zone  48 , preferably integrally formed with gutter unit  20 , as first end  46  of bottom wall  44 , wherein first end  46  of bottom wall  44  preferably extends past the plane of rear walls  42  and  34 , thereby facilitating secure attachment to base B of facia board F.  
      Preferably, upper mount  102  is defined by first mount zone  36  and angled bracket support member  106 . Angled bracket support member  106  preferably defines a “V”-shape cross-section, wherein first side  108  is adapted for flush and secure placement relative to facia board F, and wherein second side  110  extends outwardly from facia board F, defining angled mount shelf  112  for receiving and supporting lower wall  32  of cover compartment  22 .  
      It is important to understand that the preferred three-dimensional, compartmental structure of the present invention not only facilitates the clog-free collection of rainwater, but enables the preferred perpendicularly bi-directional support for secure placement. Thus, while the foregoing embodiment of covered rain gutter system  10  is preferred, other embodiments and adaptations are anticipated wherein equivalent functionality of components are provided.  
      In the preferred use, angled bracket support member  106  is secured to the facia board F of a house or building at an appropriate position relative to the roof R. Preferably, gutter unit  20  is then positioned such that lower wall  32  of cover compartment  22  is received onto angled mount shelf  112  and rear walls  34  and  42  are generally flush against facia board F, wherein first end  46  of bottom wall  44  is securely attached to base B of facia board B. Thus, the preferred mount results in perpendicularly bi-directional attachment of gutter unit  20  to facia board F.  
      Rainwater is collected upon exit from roof R onto upper wall  26  of cover compartment  22 , wherein surface dynamics encourage the adhesion of rainwater, arcuate outer edge  28  of cover compartment  22  propels large objects therefrom. Upper end  64  of grate member  60  receives the collected rainwater, wherein elongated bars  68  are configured to perform a stripping function, permitting the collected rainwater, without undesirable matter, to pass into rainwater collection compartment  24 . Thus, after the rainwater travels the arcuate outer edge  28  of cover compartment  22 , the curved upper end  64  of preferred Z-configured length of elongated bars  68  facilitates continued rainwater adhesion, essentially uninterruptedly, around and into rainwater collection compartment  24 .  
      Referring now to  FIG. 2 , grate member  60  is preferably formed from plurality of elongated bars  68 , wherein cross-support member  72  functions to maintain plurality of elongated bars  68  in relative position. Also preferably, each bar of plurality of elongated bars  68  is generally cylindrically-shaped to enhance stripping abilities. However, any other suitable shape could be utilized such as, for exemplary purposes only, prismatic.  
      In an alternate embodiment, as depicted in  FIG. 3 , extended-style grate member  74  could be mounted in gutter unit  20 , wherein the arcuately extended shape further facilitates the stripping away of undesirable debris. Although the majority of collected rainwater would be directed, via arcuate edge  28  of upper compartment  22 , through collection passage  70 , inner directive member  76  could receive remaining collected rainwater, that is, rainwater that does not pass through collection passage  70 , wherein inner directive member  76  would attract the rainwater and facilitate its passage into collection compartment  24 , dropping therein from delivery end  77  of directive member  76 .  
      Referring now to  FIG. 4 , in another alternate embodiment, gutter unit  20  could be defined by a plurality of components, in lieu of integral formation. Further, upper wall  26  of cover compartment  22  could incorporate step-like waterfall shapes  110   a  and  110   b . Again, as with the preferred dual waterfall shape, a greater or lesser number of step-like waterfall shapes could be incorporated. Outer edge  28  of cover compartment  22  could define alternate first grate port  130 , adapted to receive first or upper end  164  of alternate grate member  160  therein, wherein first grate port  130  could be generally upwardly oriented. Extending below first grate port  130 , lower wall  132  of cover compartment  22  could terminate at angular point  134 , wherein hooked connection member  136  could extend from lower wall  132  toward rear wall  34 , linking to mount support wall  138 .  
      Lower rainwater collection compartment  24  is integrally related to rear wall  34 , via mount support wall  138  and first mount zone  36 , wherein rear wall  42  extends therefrom. Second end  50  of bottom wall  44  could define alternate second grate port  152 , adapted to receive second or lower end  166  of alternate grate member  160  therein. Grate member  160  extends between first grate port  130  and second grate port  152 , wherein grate member  160  defines a partial “C”-shape profile, or cross-section. Referring now to  FIG. 5A , plurality of elongated apertures  168  could be defined in grate member  160 , wherein plurality of diamond-profile teeth  170  could be alternately spaced therewith, wherein the diamond-profile facilitates the passage of collected rainwater through plurality of elongated apertures  168  and into rainwater collection compartment  24 , while coincidently discouraging adherence of leaves or other debris material. In another alternate form, referring to  FIG. 5B , plurality of bars  172 , supported by cross bars  174 , could be utilized to form grate member  160 .  
      Additionally, referring now to FIGS.  6 A-B, in yet another alternate embodiment, extended-style grate member  200  could be mounted in gutter unit  20 , wherein plurality of rain collecting bars  201  could receive collected rainwater, facilitating passage into collection compartment  24  through interstitial spaces  202 . V-shape director member  203  could be adapted to collect rainwater from plurality of bars  201 , wherein surface adhesion of rainwater to V-shape director member  203 , coupled with gravitational movement of the rainwater, would serve to direct the rainwater into collection compartment  24 . Further, in another embodiment, in lieu of a V-shape, a football or ovoid shape could be defined, or any other suitable shape that minimized the interruption of the adhesion of the rainwater from the arcuate upper surface of upper compartment  22  as it flows into and through grate member  210  for collection.  
      Finally, referring now to FIGS.  7 A-B, in still yet another alternate embodiment, extended-style grate member  210  could be mounted in gutter unit  20 , wherein plurality of elongated apertures  212  could be defined between plurality of diamond-profile teeth  214 , alternately spaced therewith. Plurality of diamond-profile teeth  214  could be comprised of upper teeth grouping  215 a and lower teeth grouping  215 b, with directional wall  218  defined therebetween, wherein directional wall  218  could extend into rainwater collection compartment  24 , thereby facilitating the adherence and passage of collected rainwater into rainwater collection compartment  24 , while coincidently preventing the passage of debris.  
      Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.