Patent Publication Number: US-7591441-B1

Title: Adjustable gutter hanger apparatus

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Rain gutters are installed on many types of buildings. Various hangers are manufactured and used for this purpose. Two significant aspects of gutter hangers are aesthetics and function. Function dictates that gutter hangers typically be attached to rafters, fascia or to a roof. Fascia attachment is the prevalent form of gutter attachment. Fascias are either perpendicular to the ground or are disposed at a 90-degree angle to the pitch of the roof of the building. Fascia which is fitted at a 90-degree angle to the roof is termed angled fascia. Angled fascia is commonly used on roofs of custom-built homes. While such homes may or may not originally be fitted with gutters, fitting either initially or at a later date requires specific gutter hangers, as the gutter must be affixed approximately horizontal to the ground. Gutter hanging is further complicated with the fact that custom homes typically have several different roof pitches, requiring that the gutters be capable of mounting at various angles. 
   Some gutter hanging devices have addressed the need for varying angle gutter attachments with wedges of wood or metal, which are awkward. Such wedges also do not afford all of the angles needed for proper gutter attachment angles. Other hangers employ special bending tools for bending various attachment hardware, an undesirable approach to the problem, even if only labor time is considered. A superior means of gutter attachment provides a mechanically adjustable hanger for angle adjustment. Ease of installation and appearance therein become significant factors. What is needed is a gutter hanger apparatus which affords angular attachment, with ease of installation and an aesthetically appealing appearance, coupled with the ability to conform to a variety of angles. The present adjustable gutter hanger apparatus addresses the above-discussed needs, while also providing for gutter attachment to fascia, roof, or rafters. 
   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The gutter hanger apparatus relates to rain gutter attachment devices and more especially to an adjustable gutter attachment apparatus which affords an aesthetically appealing apparatus with basic mechanical angular adjustment, while remaining cost efficient. 
   DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
   Prior related art U.S. Pat. No. 4,432,518 issued to Navarre on Feb. 21, 1984 teaches a dually adjustable eaves trough bracket for installation of eaves trough at varying angles to roof rafter and eaves board structure. The bracket includes a securing plate adapted for vertical orientation to the roof eave structure and includes a plurality of braces slots, and further includes a trough support member for interlocking connection to the upper end of the securing plate. The multiple part assembly provides angular adjustment with brace slots. The assembly does not provide for installing gutters to a plurality of fixtures, as does the present apparatus. The assembly is not used to install gutters to rafters. The assembly is not used to install gutters to a roof. Machine screws with nuts are required to fasten the assembly together, which is more awkward, time consuming, and less visually appealing than the present apparatus. Further, the assembly requires the use of a spring clip of separate manufacture to secure the gutter to the assembly. 
   Other gutter hangers in prior art are provided in a variety of shapes which typically are mounted to a roof, which is not desirable in many cases. Further, many gutter hangers provided do not provide a means for capturing a gutter. Winds and debris are, therefore, free to dislodge the gutter from the hanger. Still other hangers provide for capturing a gutter, but do so only via gutter invasion, such as with screw holes. Gutter invasion is undesirable due to labor, appearance, leaking, electrolysis, and staining and rusting of metals. 
   While the above-described devices fulfill their respective and particular objects and requirements, they do not describe an adjustable gutter hanger apparatus that provides for the advantages of the present adjustable gutter hanger apparatus. In this respect, the present adjustable gutter hanger apparatus substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art. Therefore, a need exists for an improved adjustable gutter hanger apparatus. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The general purpose of the adjustable gutter hanger apparatus, described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide an adjustable gutter hanger apparatus which has many novel features that result in an improved adjustable gutter hanger apparatus which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by prior art, either alone or in combination thereof. 
   To attain this, the adjustable gutter hanger apparatus provides for installing gutters to fascia, to roofs, or to rafters, as well as other surfaces which may be proximal to a roof edge. The apparatus requires only typical screws and fasteners, without the need for machine screws, nuts, or bolts, or specialized tools. The apparatus provides for a multiplicity of angular gutter attachments to any of the above fixtures. The apparatus does not require any other extraneous components or additions to the apparatus, save the gutters themselves. 
   The apparatus is comprised of either two or three major components, depending upon the embodiment, and typically used fasteners, such as wood screws and self-tapping metal screws. The major components are the bracket, the gutter stirrup, and the strap, in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, only two components serve to hang the gutters correctly, as the bracket and adjustment strap are combined. 
   The first embodiment of the apparatus includes a separate bracket which has an extension off of the top of the bracket body. An additional embodiment of the bracket incorporates a stepped extension. The stepped extension protrudes forwardly from the top of the bracket body, at a 90-degree bend from the body, then upwardly off of the protrusion, at 90 degrees to the protrusion. An extension orifice is disposed proximal to the upper end of the extension. 
   The second embodiment of the apparatus provides a bracket combined with the strap. The combined bracket/strap also comprises a plurality of spaced apart extension orifices, proximal. Both bracket embodiments provide a hinge for swivel connection of the first end of the strap. Both bracket embodiments provide score lines for bending as needed for attachment to fixtures in gutter hanging. Both bracket embodiments provide an orifice at the top of the hinge and a matching orifice in the bracket body, such that the stirrup can be better anchored to the bracket. 
   The gutter stirrup is generally u-shaped. The stirrup can be manufactured to fit a plurality of gutter profiles to surround the bottom and opposing sides of the gutter. The curl of the stirrup is capable of at least partially surrounding the outside lip of the gutter. Gutter profiles supported by the stirrup include, but are not limited to, half round with inside curl, half round with outside curl, K style, quarter round, box shape, and fascia gutter shaped. Stirrups are also provided with indents in an approximate center of the cross section of the stirrup. Indents are provided in a plurality of shapes, which include but are not limited to beaded, pointed, and square. Indents provide aesthetic appeal as well as stirrup strengthening. 
   The apparatus provides the most basic means of gutter attachment. The apparatus captures the gutter as well. Additionally, no gutter invasion is required. No specialized tools are required to install the hangers and thence the gutters. Typically, a screwdriver is the only tool needed. Pliers are used in bending any component which requires such, with score lines provided to ease bending. 
   A further significant advantage of the apparatus is that holding a gutter out from angled fascia, as needed, at a desired angle, is provided for without other hardware, screws, alterations, wedges, or gutter invasion. In many instances, for example, fascia is at a 90-degree angle to the roof, but not perpendicular to the ground. The apparatus comprises a swivel hinge at the bottom of both embodiments of the bracket. To exemplify, in the event of a fascia being angled inwardly in relation to the ground and/or structure, and not perpendicularly, the bendable hinge is bent outwardly to counteract the fascia-to-ground angle. 
   The stirrup is then positioned to support the gutter at a horizontal to the ground. The hinge is of a length to allow for significant angle correction in any application. Holes in the strap are situated at equidistant intervals for adjustment to odd or even roof pitches, odd pitches such as 1/12, 3/12, 5/12, and the like. Even roof pitches are exemplified by those such as 2/12, 4/12, 6/12, and the like. Two slots on the outer end of the stirrup determine odd or even pitch use, respectively, through which the strap bends. The combined use of specific holes in the strap and slots in the stirrup enable the gutter to be hung at a horizontal plane to the ground. Further, should an installer wish to install the strap to the roof, and not the bracket, a score line is provided on the strap so that it can easily be bent or snipped off of the fascia bracket, in the combined bracket/strap, for roof attachment. 
   Thus has been broadly outlined the more important features of the improved adjustable gutter hanger apparatus so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. 
   An object of the adjustable gutter hanger apparatus is to provide for gutter hanging at proper gutter to ground angle. 
   Another object of the adjustable gutter hanger apparatus is to provide for stirrups manufactured to fit the shape for virtually any gutter. 
   A further object of the adjustable gutter hanger apparatus is to provide for hanger attachment to a roof. 
   An added object of the adjustable gutter hanger apparatus is to provide for hanger attachment to fascia. 
   And, an object of the adjustable gutter hanger apparatus is to provide for hanger attachment to a rafter. 
   Still another object of the adjustable gutter hanger apparatus is to provide for hanger attachment to other objects associated with roofs. 
   Additionally, an object of the adjustable gutter hanger apparatus is to provide for hanging a gutter with only two or three pieces of apparatus, and fasteners. 
   Yet another object of the adjustable gutter hanger apparatus is to provide for hanging the apparatus and gutters with commonly used fasteners, such as wood screws. 
   And, too, an object of the adjustable gutter hanger apparatus is to hang gutters properly without utilizing specialized tools. 
   These together with additional objects, features and advantages of the improved adjustable gutter hanger apparatus will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the improved adjustable gutter hanger apparatus when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
   In this respect, before explaining the current embodiments of the improved adjustable gutter hanger apparatus in detail, it is to be understood that the adjustable gutter hanger apparatus is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustration. 
   Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the improved adjustable gutter hanger apparatus. It is therefore important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the adjustable gutter hanger apparatus. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a top plan view of the stirrup and combined bracket/strap of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus. 
       FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the stirrup. 
       FIG. 3  is side cross sectional view of a plurality of gutter shapes which the stirrup supports. 
       FIG. 4  is cross sectional view of the loops of a plurality of stirrups of the apparatus. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the combined bracket/strap, illustrating hinge bend capability. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the stirrup second end with strap bend through one stirrup slot and fastener in preparation of securing the strap to the stirrup. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the bracket/strap affixed to a rafter. 
       FIG. 8  is a front elevation view of the bracket. 
       FIG. 9  is a side elevation view of the bracket of  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 10  is a top plan view of the strap. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
   With reference now to the drawings, and in particular  FIGS. 1 through 10  thereof, the principles and concepts of the adjustable gutter hanger apparatus generally designated by the reference number  10  will be described. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , the adjustable gutter hanger apparatus  10  for hanging gutters  60  on a structure comprises a combined bracket/strap  17  for fastening to the structure. The bracket/strap  17  comprises a bracket body  18  having a top, a bottom, and two spaced apart sides. An ear  20  is disposed on each of the body  18 . At least one orifice  21  is disposed in each ear  20 . The 180 degree looped hinge  22  is extended from the bottom of the body  18 . The hinge  22  progresses downwardly from the body  18 , forms a 180-degree bend, then rises vertically to mirror the original side of the hinge  22 . An orifice  21  is disposed in the top of the vertical rise of the hinge  22 . An orifice  21  is disposed in the body  18  to correspond to the hinge  22  orifice  21 . The strap  14  is seamlessly extended from the top of the body  18 . The strap  14  has a first end, a second end, and a length therebetween. The first end of the strap  14  extends from the body  18 . 
   A plurality of spaced apart orifices  21  is disposed along a part of the length of the strap  14 . The orifices  21  are proximal to the second end of the strap  14  and further progress along a part of the length toward the opposite strap  14  end. A score line  30  is disposed on the strap  14  proximal to the body  18 . The score line  30  provides more than one function. The score line  30  enables easier bending of the strap  14 , as needed when the strap  14  is bent over the gutter  60  to be affixed to the stirrup  12 . The score line  30  also provides a guide for more easily cutting the strap  14  from the body  18 . As example, it is sometimes desirable to remove the strap  14  from the body  18 , and then affix the first end of the strap  14  to a structure roof, prior to affixing the second end of the strap  14 , over a gutter and to the stirrup  12  tang  44 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the  12  stirrup is manufactured to fit around an outside of and under a gutter  60 . The stirrup  12  has a first end  40 , a second end  41 , and a loop  47  therebetween. The stirrup  12  further comprises a bend  46  at the first end  40 . The bend  46  has an arc having a range of 20 degrees through 45 degrees. A hinge slot  45  is disposed in each side of the bend  46 . The stirrup first end  40  terminates in the bend tab  43 . The bend tab is provided with an orifice  21 . After the stirrup first end  40  slots are onto the hinge  22 , a fastener  90  selectively retains the assembly of the stirrup  12  and bracket/strap  17 . The curl  42  is disposed on a second end  41  of the stirrup  12 . The tang  44  is disposed on the end of the curl  42 . At least two slots  48  are disposed in the tang  44 . An orifice  21  is disposed in the tang  44 . A fastener  90  selectively inserted into the orifice  21  retains the bend  46  slots  45  on the hinge  22 . 
   With reference to  FIG. 3 , gutters  60  are provided in a plurality of shapes. The gutters  60  are not a part of the apparatus  10 . Each gutter lip  66  is generally surrounded by the curl  42  of the stirrup  12 . Each gutter  60  fits within the stirrup  12  in mounting to a structure. The strap  14  fits over the top of each gutter  60  and thereby traps a gutter  60  in mounting. 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , the cross sectional views of the stirrup  12  loops  47  reveal the plurality of loop  47  shapes provided. A plurality of indent  13  shapes is further provided. The loop  12  indent  13  shapes illustrated are exemplary and do not define a limitation to loop  47  shapes and indents  13  provided. 
   Viewing  FIG. 5 , the hinge  22  is bendable. The same bendable hinge  22  is incorporated into both the bracket  16  and the combined bracket/strap  17 . As the gutter  60  must be affixed at approximately a horizontal to the ground, the hinge  22  can be bent relative to the bracket body  18  to accomplish the desired gutter  60  angle. For example, with either the bracket  16  or the bracket/strap  17  affixed to the fascia of a structure and the fascia angled back at approximately 15 degrees from vertical, the hinge  22  is bent forwardly from the bracket body  18  to a position in which the hinge  22  is vertical relative to the ground. A gutter  60  is then capable of being hung at proper angle to the ground, as the outside of the gutter  60  can be elevated. The orifice  21  in the hinge  22  provides for trapping the bend  46  of the stirrup  12  in the hinge well  23 , as a fastener  90  is inserted into the orifice  21 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 6 , the second end of the strap  14  is inserted through one of the slots  48  in the tang of the second end  41  of the stirrup  12 . The strap  14  is bent back over the tang  44  to meet itself and for orifices  21  of the strap  14  to align in order to insert fastener  90  for securing the strap  14 . The bend  46  slots  45  of the opposite end of the stirrup  12  are hung on hinge well  23  of the hinge  22  of the bracket  16  or of the bracket/strap  17 . In order to hang the gutter  60  at the correct angle relative to the ground, the strap  14  is inserted into the chosen slot  48  of the tang  44 . The strap  14  is pulled through the slot  48  as needed to bring the gutter to the desired angle. The strap  14  is then secured via the above-noted means. With the two slots  48  in the tang  44 , and with the spacing of the orifices  21  in the strap  14 , a plurality of roof pitches are addressed in hanging the gutter correctly. Orifices  21  in the strap  14  are situated at equidistant intervals for adjustment to odd or even roof pitches. Odd roof pitches are exemplified by those such as 1/12, 3/12, 5/12, and the like. Even roof pitches are exemplified by those such as 2/12, 4/12, 6/12, and the like. The two slots  48  on the tang  44  of the stirrup  12  accommodate odd or even pitch use, respectively. The stirrup  12  is therefore supportive under and substantially around any gutter  60 . The strap  14  is affixed over the top of the gutter  60 , thereby fully entrapping the gutter  60  without gutter  60  invasion, and without the need for any specialized tools or procedures or other parts, other than the fasteners  90 . 
   With reference to  FIG. 7 , the bracket/strap  17  is bendable. Further, score lines  30  assist in potentially needed bends such as those required to affix the bracket  16  or the combined bracket/strap  17  to a rafter  80 . And, the score line  30  is provided on the strap  14  proximal to the body  18  for either easier bends or for separating the strap  14  from the body  18 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 8 ,  9 , and  10  the alternate embodiment of the bracket  16  differs from the bracket/strap  17  in that the strap  14  is not a part of the bracket  16 . The bracket  16  includes a stepped extension  26 . The stepped extension  26  provides for insertion of the chosen slot  45  of the strap  14 . After insertion of the chosen slot  45 , the opposite end of the strap is looped through the chosen slot  48  of the stirrup  12 , the strap passing over and retaining a gutter  60 . The narrow strap  14  end is bent over and secured within the slot  45  via a fastener  90 , thereby securing the gutter  90 . 
   With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the adjustable gutter hanger apparatus, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and the manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the adjustable gutter hanger apparatus. 
   Directional terms such as “front”, “back”, “in”, “out”, “downward”, “upper”, “lower”, and the like may have been used in the description. These terms are applicable to the embodiments shown and described in conjunction with the drawings. These terms are merely used for the purpose of description in connection with the drawings and do not necessarily apply to the position in which the adjustable gutter hanger apparatus may be used. 
   Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the adjustable gutter hanger apparatus. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the adjustable gutter hanger apparatus to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the adjustable gutter hanger apparatus.