Patent Publication Number: US-8528300-B2

Title: Apparatus for facilitating the installation of a gutter and method of installing a gutter using the apparatus

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to gutters and, more particularly, to an apparatus that can be used to reposition flashing during gutter installation. The invention is also directed to a method of installing a gutter using the apparatus. 
     2. Background Art 
     In a typical roof construction, a width of flashing wraps around the bottom roof edge and over a fascia. A depending portion of the flashing overlies the vertical fascia surface and terminates at an edge that resides above the bottom of the fascia surface. 
     To install a gutter, a back wall on the gutter is directed between the depending flashing portion and the fascia surface whereby the flashing guides water into the gutter trough in a manner that it is not prone to encountering the fascia surface. The flashing is normally fixed in place before the gutter installation is carried out. The depending flashing portion is ideally formed to reside directly against the fascia surface over its vertical extent. 
     To effect the gutter installation, the installer is required to pry the bottom edge of the depending flashing portion away from the fascia to allow direction of the upper edge of the back wall of the gutter to between the flashing and fascia. 
     Prying of the flashing edge away from the fascia may be accomplished in a number of different manners. In the absence of any appropriate tools, the installer may use his/her fingers to draw the flashing edge outwardly at a starting location and progressively maintain the lower edge in spaced relationship to the fascia as lengths of gutter are progressively shifted upwardly into place. 
     Repositioning of the flashing by hand has a number of drawbacks. First of all, the installer is required to be in close proximity to the location at which the flashing is moved out from the fascia. If this action is carried out with the installer situated on the roof, he/she must lean precariously over the roof edge to engage the flashing. Further, since flashing is typically made from thin gauge metal, the bottom edge is inherently sharp, whereby the installer faces the risk of cutting him-/herself. This problem is aggravated in the event that the edge is not smooth or cleanly cut. The use of gloves by an installer may reduce the likelihood of being cut, but makes it difficult for the installer to engage the flashing edge as required to reposition the same. 
     As an alternative to the direct hand manipulation of the flashing, conventional type tools have been used for this purpose. Screwdrivers, pry bars, hammer claws, etc. have been used to draw the flashing edge away from the fascia during gutter installation. While using these tools avoids the direct contact between the installer&#39;s hands and the flashing, other problems are introduced. 
     Use of these tools generally requires that the installer strategically place a wedging portion thereon precisely at the bottom edge of the flashing to allow the tool to be introduced, and wedged, between the flashing and fascia. This action is convenient generally only when the installer is standing on a scaffolding and is in front of, and at the height of, the flashing edge. Attempting to perform this task while standing on the roof is awkward and requires that the user reach around the roof edge, which again may cause him/her to be precariously situated. From this location, the installer may also be required to make several attempts to locate the prying portion of the tool beneath the flashing edge, which may lie closely against the fascia surface. 
     Further, by using a relatively sharp tool during this process, the flashing may be locally deformed as the flashing is drawn outwardly using the tool. Any residual deformation, such as a localized bulged area, may create a passageway between the back gutter wall and the flashing through which water delivered to the gutter may migrate undesirably to against the fascia. 
     Heretofore, the use of conventional tools has made it for the most part impractical to reposition flashing from a spaced location, such as with the installer situated on the ground. If multiple individuals are working together to coordinate flashing repositioning and gutter placement, they are generally competing for space either on a scaffold or on the roof during this process. This may slow down the installation process and in a worst case may increase the likelihood of injury occurring during installations. 
     The industry continues to seek out gutter installation methods and apparatus to assist installation and that promote efficient installation in the safest possible manner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one form, the invention is directed to a method of installing a gutter, having a wall assembly with an upwardly projecting rear wall, against a surface of a fascia at which a depending flashing portion with a bottom edge is located. The method includes the steps of: obtaining a flashing repositioning apparatus having: a) a flashing engaging assembly with a body defining a wedging surface and a guide surface; and b) a manipulating assembly through which a user can controllably reposition the flashing engaging assembly. The user grasps a part of the manipulating assembly. Through the grasped manipulating assembly, the guide surface is placed in an operative position against the fascia surface wherein the wedging surface has a predetermined angular relationship with the fascia surface. The fascia surface and guide surface cooperate to maintain the predetermined angular relationship between the wedging surface and the fascia surface as the flashing repositioning apparatus is translated relative to the fascia surface. Through the grasped manipulating assembly, the guide surface is slid against the fascia surface while substantially maintaining the angular relationship between the wedging surface and the fascia surface to direct a part of the wedging surface between the depending flashing portion and the fascia surface to thereby progressively shift the bottom edge of the flashing portion away from the fascia surface. With the bottom edge of the flashing portion wedged away from the fascia surface, the rear wall of the gutter is directed upwardly between the flashing portion and the fascia surface. The gutter is suitably secured at the fascia. 
     In one form, the step of obtaining a flashing repositioning apparatus involves obtaining a flashing repositioning apparatus wherein the flashing engaging assembly has a body with a conical shape. 
     In one form, the step of obtaining a flashing repositioning apparatus involves obtaining a flashing repositioning apparatus having a body with a curved perimeter edge at which the wedging and guide surfaces meet. 
     In one form, the step of obtaining a flashing repositioning apparatus involves obtaining a flashing repositioning apparatus having a first handle assembly with a first graspable handle on the manipulating assembly and a shielding wall between the first graspable handle and wedging surface. 
     In one form, the step of obtaining a flashing repositioning assembly involves obtaining a flashing repositioning assembly in which the manipulating assembly has an elongate member with a second graspable handle that is spaced from the first graspable handle. 
     In one form, the step of obtaining a flashing repositioning assembly involves obtaining a flashing repositioning assembly in which the first graspable handle has an elongate graspable member with a length that extends in a first line and the elongate member has a length that extends in a second line that is substantially parallel to the first line. 
     In one form, the step of obtaining a flashing repositioning assembly involves obtaining a flashing repositioning assembly in which there are cooperating connecting parts on the first handle assembly and the elongate member that allow the elongate member to be selectively attached to and separated from the first handle assembly without requiring the use of separate fasteners. 
     In one form, the step of obtaining a flashing repositioning apparatus involves obtaining a flashing repositioning apparatus in which the guide surface has a curved shape corresponding to the curved edge and the fascia surface bridges portions of the guide surface with the guide surface against the fascia surface. 
     In one form, the step of obtaining a flashing repositioning apparatus involves obtaining a flashing repositioning apparatus in which the guide surface is substantially planar. 
     In one form, the step of obtaining a flashing repositioning apparatus involves obtaining a flashing positioning apparatus in which the conical body has a central axis and the manipulating assembly has a first handle assembly with a first graspable handle. The first graspable handle is an elongate graspable member with a length that extends in a line that makes an angle of from 70-90° with the central axis of the body. 
     In one form, the invention is directed to the combination of a building roof section and a flashing repositioning apparatus. The roof section has an upwardly facing surface, with an edge at which there is a fascia, and a depending flashing portion. The flashing repositioning apparatus has a flashing engaging assembly and a manipulating assembly. The flashing engaging assembly has a body defining a wedging surface and a guide surface. The guide surface is configured to be consistently located in a predetermined operative position against the fascia surface wherein the wedging surface is at a predetermined angle relative to the fascia surface. The wedging surface resides between the fascia surface and the flashing portion to define a gap into which a wall of a gutter can be directed. 
     In one form, the flashing engaging assembly has a body with a conical shape. 
     In one form, the flashing engaging assembly has a body with a curved perimeter edge at which the wedging and guide surfaces meet. 
     In one form, the manipulating assembly has a first handle assembly, with a first graspable handle, and a shielding wall between the first graspable handle and wedging surface. 
     In one form, the manipulating assembly has an elongate member with a second graspable handle that is spaced from the first graspable handle. 
     In one form, the first graspable handle has an elongate member with a length that extends in a first line and the elongate member has a length that extends in a second line that is parallel to the first line. 
     In one form, there are cooperating connecting parts on the first handle assembly and the elongate member that allow the elongate member to be selectively attached to and separated from the first handle assembly without requiring the use of separate fasteners. 
     In one form, the guide surface has a curved shape corresponding to the curved edge with portions that are bridged by the fascia surface with the guide surface in the operative position. 
     In one form, the guide surface is substantially planar. 
     In one form, the conical body has a central axis and the manipulating assembly has a first handle assembly with a first graspable handle. The first graspable handle is an elongate graspable member with a length that extends in a line that makes an angle of from 70-90° with the central axis of the body. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a partially exploded, perspective view of one form of flashing repositioning apparatus, according to the present invention, and including one form of elongate member that defines a graspable handle, shown separated from the remainder of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 2  is a reduced, plan view of the apparatus in  FIG. 1  without the elongate member; 
         FIG. 3  is a reduced, side elevation view of the apparatus in  FIGS. 1 and 2  without the elongate member; 
         FIG. 4  is a reduced, front elevation view of the apparatus in  FIGS. 1-3  without the elongate member; 
         FIG. 5  is a reduced, rear elevation view of the apparatus in  FIGS. 1-4  without the elongate member; 
         FIG. 6   a  is a fragmentary, side elevation view of a portion of the apparatus in  FIGS. 1-5  situated beneath a depending flashing portion at a fascia; 
         FIG. 6   b  is a view as in  6   a  with the apparatus shifted upwardly to move the bottom edge of the flashing portion away from the fascia; 
         FIG. 7  is a fragmentary perspective view of a roof section and with the apparatus in  FIGS. 1-5  in the position shown in  FIG. 6   b;    
         FIG. 8  is a side elevation view of the components in  FIG. 7  and with a gutter therebeneath preparatory to installation; 
         FIG. 8   a  is an enlarged view of the portion within the circle in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic, side elevation view of the roof section in 
         FIGS. 7 and 8  with the gutter installed; 
         FIG. 10  is a view as in  FIG. 7  with the apparatus having an elongate member attached thereto that facilitates manipulation from on top of the roof; 
         FIG. 11  is a side elevation view of the components in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a view as in  FIG. 10  with the apparatus having an elongate member with a greater length to allow manipulation of the apparatus by a user on the ground; 
         FIG. 13  is a side elevation view of the components in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a view as in  FIG. 5  of a modified form of apparatus, according to the invention; and 
         FIG. 15  is a block diagram representation of a method for installing a gutter utilizing the inventive apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring initially to  FIGS. 1-5 , one exemplary and preferred form of a flashing repositioning apparatus, according to the present invention, is shown at  10 . The flashing repositioning apparatus  10  consists of a flashing engaging assembly  12  and a manipulating assembly at  14 . 
     The flashing engaging assembly  12  has a body  16  defining a wedging surface  18  and a guide surface  20 . 
     In this embodiment, the body  16  has a conical shape that is truncated to facilitate connection to a first handle assembly  22  that is part of the manipulating assembly  14 . 
     The conical body shape has a curved perimeter edge  24  at which the wedging and guide surfaces  18 ,  20  meet. With this construction, the guide surface  20  has the form of an annular edge/surface that resides within a plane P ( FIG. 3 ). 
     Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 14  for a modified form of flashing repositioning apparatus  10 ′, the corresponding guide surface  20 ′ may be in the form of a planar surface that extends over the entire, or a portion of the, areal extent within the perimeter edge  24 ′. 
     The manipulating assembly  14 , on the apparatus in  FIGS. 1-5 , consists of the aforementioned first handle assembly  22 , that has a first graspable handle  26 , and a second graspable handle  28 . The separate graspable handles  26 ,  28  permit use of the flashing repositioning apparatus  10  in different manners as described hereinbelow. It should be understood that the apparatus  10  might also be made with either of the graspable handles  26 ,  28  without the other. 
     The first graspable handle  26  consists of an elongate graspable member  30 , having a generally cylindrical shape around which a user&#39;s fingers can be wrapped. The elongate member  30  has at its opposite ends mounting legs  32 ,  34  that are fixedly joined to the elongate member  30  to define therewith a “U” shape. The mounting legs  32 ,  34  are fixed to a mounting/shielding wall  36  that is fixed to the body  16  through a threaded fastener  38 . 
     The elongate member  30  has a length extending along a central axis  40  that is substantially orthogonal to the central axis  42  of the body  16 . This orthogonal relationship, however, is not required and may be deviated from, as in the event the apparatus is intended to be consistently used in only one angular orientation. 
     The second graspable handle  28  consists of an elongate member  44  with a length extending along a central axis  46 . The elongate member  44  is shown with a substantially cylindrical shape to define a handle that can be grasped selectively at any location along that length. 
     As noted above, the elongate member  44  is designed to be releasably attached to the body  16  through the first graspable handle  26 , or a structure at that location in the event the first handle assembly  22  is absent. More particularly, there is a connecting part  48  on the elongate member  44  that separately cooperates selectively with connecting parts  50 ,  52  at the ends of the elongate member  30 . In this embodiment, the cooperating connecting parts  48 ;  50 ,  52  are respectively male and female threaded parts that allow the elongate member  44  to be releasably attached at either end of the elongate member  30  without requiring any tools or separate fasteners. 
     With this arrangement, the central axes  40 ,  46  of the elongate members  30 ,  44  are coincident with the elongate member  44  attached to the first handle assembly  22  and projecting in either of opposite directions therefrom. 
     It is not necessary that there be connecting parts  48 ,  50  at both ends of the first handle assembly  22 . Further, while the axis  40  of the elongate member  30  is shown orthogonal to the body axis  42 , this angle may be varied, as in the range of 20°, for purposes that will be apparent from the description of the use of the apparatus, below. 
     While it is not necessary that the lengths of the elongate members  30 ,  44  be parallel to each other, this is a preferred orientation to allow the apparatus to function the same, regardless of its angular orientation with respect to the body axis  42 . The length of the elongate member  44 , extending along the axis  46 , may be at an angle to the length of the elongate member  30  along its respective axis  40 . 
     One manner of using the flashing repositioning apparatus  10  is shown in  FIGS. 6-9 . In those Figures, the apparatus  10  is used to reposition flashing  54  as shown on a roof section  56 . The roof section  56  has an upwardly facing surface  58  with an appropriate waterproof covering, that may consist of one or multiple layers  59 , and extends to a perimeter edge  60  at which there is a fascia  62  with an outwardly facing vertical surface  64 . 
     The flashing  54  is applied against the surface  58  and bent to define a depending portion  66  that overlies the fascia surface  64  and terminates at a bottom edge  68 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , a gutter  70  is attached at the fascia surface  64  using a suitable system/fasteners  72 . The gutter  70  has a wall assembly  74  defining an internal trough  76  for funnelling of water to an appropriate downspout or the like (not shown). The wall assembly  74  includes a rear wall  78  that is directed upwardly during installation to between the depending flashing portion  66  and fascia surface  64  preparatory to securing the gutter  70  at the fascia  62 . 
     The apparatus  10  is shown in  FIGS. 6-10  without the elongate member  44  connected. With this configuration, the user holds and repositions the apparatus  10  by grasping the elongate member  30  on the first handle assembly  22 . The user controllably repositions the apparatus  10  to thereby wedge the depending flashing portion  66  away from the fascia surface  64 , as seen in  FIGS. 8 and 8   a , whereupon the rear gutter wall  78  can be conveniently directed upwardly to between the depending flashing portion  66  and the fascia surface  64 . 
     More particularly, the guide surface  20  is configured to be consistently located in a predetermined operative position against the fascia surface  64  wherein the wedging surface  18  is at a predetermined angle α ( FIG. 8   a ) relative to the fascia surface  64 . The fascia surface  64  bridges portions of the annular surface  20 . In this embodiment, the angle α in  FIG. 8   a  is on the order of 20° but could be considerably more or less as appropriate. The normal anticipated angular range is from 10° to 40°. With this arrangement the guide surface  20  can be placed in its operative position flushly against the fascia surface  64 , whereupon the body  16  can be translated guidingly along the fascia surface  64 . 
     Typically, the guide surface  20  is placed in the operative position with the perimeter edge  24  beneath the bottom flashing edge  68  as shown in  FIG. 6   a . While maintaining this operative position for the guide surface  20 , the apparatus  10  can be shifted upwardly, as shown in  FIG. 6   b , by applying a force through the first handle assembly  22  to cause the wedging surface  18  to progressively shift the bottom edge  68  of the flashing portion  66  away from the fascia surface  64 , thereby to allow the rear wall  78  of the gutter  70  to be directed upwardly, as shown in  FIG. 8 , to between the flashing portion  66  and the fascia surface  64 . 
     With the apparatus  10  configured as in  FIGS. 6-9 , the user can conveniently manipulate the apparatus  10  from either upon the roof surface or upon a scaffold adjacent to the fascia  62 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 7 , the mounting/shielding wall  36 , which has a rectangular shape, has a narrower width W arranged so that with the user grasping the handle  26 , and the length thereof aligned generally horizontally, the upper portion of the body  16  remains visible above the edge  80  to facilitate initial location of the apparatus  10  at the flashing edge  68 . 
     Once the wedging surface  18  has shifted the bottom flashing edge  68  outwardly from the fascia surface  64 , the user can slide the apparatus  10  horizontally, as indicated by the double-headed arrow  82  in  FIG. 7 , along the flashing portion  66  as desired to progressively seat the gutter rear wall  78 . 
     As can be seen most clearly in  FIG. 8   a , the perimeter edge  24  of the body may be rounded to avoid hang-up as the apparatus  10  is translated guidingly against the fascia surface  64  with the guide surface  20  in the operative position. This rounded configuration for the edge  24  also reduces the likelihood that the body  16  will snag on the bottom flashing edge  68  as the body  16  is directed to between the depending flashing portion  66  and fascia surface  64 . 
     In  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the elongate member  44  having a first length L 1  is operatively connected to the first handle assembly  22 . The elongate member  44  may have a length L 1  on the order of 1-3 feet, but may be longer or shorter to meet the particular application. With this configuration, the apparatus  10  can be turned 90° around the body axis  42  from the orientation shown in  FIG. 7  so that the connected elongate member  44  projects upwardly above the roof surface  58  to be conveniently manipulated by a user standing on the roof. The operation of the apparatus  10  is otherwise the same as described with respect to  FIGS. 6-9 . That is, the elongate member  44  is grasped and drawn upwardly to the position shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11  to cause the body  16  to deflect the depending flashing portion  66  away from the fascia surface  64  to facilitate placement of the gutter  70 . 
     In  FIGS. 12 and 13  a modified form of the apparatus is shown at  10 ″, with the only difference being that the elongate member  44  in  FIGS. 10 and 11  is replaced with an elongate member  44 ″ having a greater length, dictated by a particular application/site. With this configuration, a user  84  can be situated on the ground and grasp the elongate member  44 ″ to reposition the apparatus  10 ″ in the same manner the apparatus  10  is repositioned as previously described. 
     It is also possible that the apparatus may be configured with both elongate members  44 ,  44 ″ operatively connected whereby the apparatus can be engaged and repositioned simultaneously by individuals/users at two different locations. 
     The above description relates to preferred embodiments of the invention but should not be viewed as limiting. Many variations from the basic structure described are contemplated. 
     For example, the body  16  does not have to be made with the continuous conical shape. A continuous conical shape allows the apparatus to operate substantially identically with the apparatus turned to any angular position around the axis  42 . However, a segment of a cone, or other like shape, strategically located relative to the handle assembly  22 , might be employed that would operate in the same manner without the same flexibility in terms of orientation. 
     With the structure as described above, a gutter can be installed as shown schematically in  FIG. 15 . As shown at block  86 , a flashing repositioning apparatus is obtained. As shown at block  88 , the flashing repositioning apparatus is grasped and manipulated to thereby reposition a depending flashing portion. After this occurs, as shown at block  90 , a gutter is put in place and secured to complete the assembly. 
     The foregoing disclosure of specific embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the broad concepts comprehended by the invention.