Patent Publication Number: US-9404267-B2

Title: Interchangeable gutter cleaning appliance

Description:
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT 
     All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Present Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to gutter cleaning tools, and, in particular, to a gutter cleaning appliance to which various gutter cleaning tools may be interchangeable and removably mounted. 
     2. Background 
     Removing build-up and sediment of leaves, sticks, shingle particles and other residue from overhead gutters on the eaves of homes and other buildings has heretofore been a dangerous, tiresome, filthy and time-consuming job. Homeowners and professionals have typically attempted to perform this task by standing on a ladder or other elevated apparatus, or climbing onto the roof and balancing precariously near the edge while reaching down in the gutter. Unfortunately, these techniques are dangerous, and are made even more dangerous when trying to utilize many of the implements that are pressed into service in the chore, including various cleaning tools, water hoses, gas and electric blowers, and the like. In fact, according to one source, over 400,000 injuries occur every year due to falls from roofs and ladders. 
     Unfortunately, most gutters are only partly accessible from the ground, if at all. While the prior art includes a number of efforts to permit the user to clean out the gutters while standing on the ground, such as by using long poles equipped with cumbersome water delivery hoses and other devices, such prior devices have suffered from a number of drawbacks which have limited their commercial viability, practicality and usability. Thus, a need exists for an improved gutter cleaning appliance. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     Broadly defined, the present invention according to one aspect includes is an interchangeable gutter cleaning appliance, including: an extension assembly having a first fitting at a distal end; a holder having a second fitting at its proximal end and a gutter tool interface at its distal end, wherein the second fitting is coupled to the first fitting of the extension assembly; and an interchangeable gutter tool; wherein the interchangeable gutter tool is installed on the gutter tool interface by inserting the gutter tool interface into a mounting assembly disposed within the interchangeable gutter tool, and wherein the interchangeable gutter tool is removed from the gutter tool interface by removing the mounting assembly from the gutter tool interface. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the interchangeable gutter tool includes a plurality of interchangeable gutter tools, each including a different operational member, and no more than one of the plurality of interchangeable gutter tools being installed on the gutter tool interface at any one time. In further features, the plurality of interchangeable gutter tools include at least two of the following: a scoop, a rake, a brush, and a water sprayer; and/or the plurality of interchangeable gutter tools are provided as a kit with the holder and the extension assembly. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the interchangeable gutter tool includes a mounting arm in which the mounting assembly is disposed. In further features, the mounting assembly includes a cartridge surrounded by a compressible layer of soft material; the cartridge includes a hollow cylindrical tube having a fixed entry sleeve and a floating internal sleeve disposed therein; the gutter tool interface includes a rod that is inserted into fixed entry sleeve and the floating internal sleeve; the floating internal sleeve clamps around the rod, and the hollow cylindrical tube, compressible layer of soft material, and operational arm are free to rotate around the floating internal sleeve and rod; the rod is a forged metal rod; the compressible layer of soft material is a layer of foam; the mounting assembly is a paint roller cover; and/or the holder is a paint roller holder. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the interchangeable gutter tool includes a water sprayer supported by the mounting assembly. In a further feature, the water sprayer includes a nozzle and a hose fitting. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the interchangeable gutter tool is free to rotate around the gutter tool interface when installed thereon. In a further feature, the gutter tool interface has a longitudinal axis, the interchangeable gutter tool includes an operational member whose center of gravity is not collinear with the longitudinal axis of the gutter tool interface, and the interchangeable gutter tool rotates such that it hangs below the gutter tool interface as the interchangeable gutter cleaning appliance is moved. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the extension assembly includes a plurality of pull-out sections that may be manipulated relative to each other so as to adjust the overall length of the extension assembly and thus of the interchangeable gutter cleaning appliance. In a further feature, the first and second fittings are threaded fittings. 
     Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a method of cleaning a gutter, including: fastening an extension assembly to a tool holder by coupling a fitting at a distal end of the extension assembly to a corresponding fitting at a proximal end of the tool holder; procuring a plurality of different, removable, interchangeable gutter tools for use with the tool holder, each having a mounting assembly disposed therein; selecting a particular removable, interchangeable gutter tool from the plurality of different, removable, interchangeable gutter tools; installing the selected removable, interchangeable gutter tool on a gutter tool interface located at a distal end of the tool holder by inserting the gutter tool interface into the mounting assembly of the selected interchangeable gutter tool; and while standing on the ground, manipulating the extension assembly to cause the selected removable, interchangeable gutter tool to carry out a task of removing debris from a gutter located overhead. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the selected removable, interchangeable gutter tool is a first removable, interchangeable gutter tool, and the method further includes: removing the first removable, interchangeable gutter tool from the gutter tool interface; selecting a second particular removable, interchangeable gutter tool from the plurality of different, removable, interchangeable gutter tools; after removing the first removable, interchangeable gutter tool from the gutter tool interface, installing the second selected removable, interchangeable gutter tool on the gutter tool interface by inserting the gutter tool interface into the mounting assembly of the second selected interchangeable gutter tool; and while standing on the ground, manipulating the extension assembly to cause the second selected removable, interchangeable gutter tool to carry out a task of removing debris from the gutter. 
     Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is front view of an interchangeable gutter cleaning appliance in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the extension assembly of  FIG. 1 , shown in its collapsed state; 
         FIG. 3  is a front cross-sectional view of the holder of  FIG. 1 , shown in isolation; 
         FIGS. 4 and 5  are front views of two alternative holders in accordance with alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 6 and 7  are front views of two alternative holders in accordance with alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the interchangeable gutter tool of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an interchangeable gutter tool in which the operational member is a tined rake; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an interchangeable gutter tool in which the operational member is a multi-directional stiff-bristled brush; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of an interchangeable gutter tool (shown mounted on the holder) in which the operational member includes a water sprayer having an input fitting suitable for connection to a standard garden hose; 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged front view of the interchangeable gutter tool and holder of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a fragmentary front exploded view of the gutter tool and holder of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a fragmentary front cross-sectional view of the gutter tool and holder of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an end cap suitable for use in one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a front view of a paint roller cover installed on a paint roller holder; 
         FIG. 17 , which is an illustration of a person using the appliance of  FIG. 1  to clean a gutter on a house in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a front view of an alternative holder in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 19  is a front view of the holder of  FIG. 18  with a tool mounted thereon. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention. 
     Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself. 
     Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein. 
     Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail. 
     Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, no claim element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element. 
     Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.” 
     When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers,” “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese,” and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.” 
     Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like components throughout the several views, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses. 
       FIG. 1  is front view of an interchangeable gutter cleaning appliance  10  in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. As shown therein, the appliance  10  includes an interchangeable gutter tool  20 , a holder  50 , and an extension assembly  60 . The holder  50  is supported at an upper end of the extension assembly  60 , and the interchangeable gutter tool  20  is supported at a distal end of the holder  50 . 
       FIG. 2  is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the extension assembly  60  of  FIG. 1 , shown in its collapsed state. As shown therein, the extension assembly  60  includes a plurality of telescoping and locking extension members  62 , 64 , 66  with a fitting  68  at the distal end of the uppermost extension member  66  to mate with a corresponding fitting  58  at the proximal end of the holder  50 . The extension assembly  60  may comprise any suitable pole or apparatus available from a wide number of commercial outlets, but preferably takes the form of a standard single, two piece, three piece, or four piece, and so forth, telescoping and locking pole having a threaded fitting  68  at its uppermost tip, commonly used and known as a painter&#39;s pole. The extension assembly  60  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  has three pull-out sections  62 , 64 , 66  that may be quickly and easily locked in a selected degree of extension by simply rotating the extended portion in a clockwise direction relative to the receiving portion. Such extension assembly  60  may be collapsed to a shorter length by simply rotating the extended sections in a counterclockwise direction and telescoping the sections  62 , 64 , 66  one within the other. In its collapsed state, such an extension assembly  60  may, for example, be approximately five feet long, while in its extended state, such an extension assembly may, for example, be approximately fourteen feet long. Extension assemblies suitable for use in one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are available from Mr. LongArm Inc. of Greenwood, Mo. or Bayco Industries of Dallas, Tex. 
     Although not illustrated in the drawings, it is acknowledged that additional locks could be provided in connection with such pole or other extension assembly for the purpose of preventing the extended sections from rotating and unlocking during use of the gutter cleaning appliance  10 . Such pressure support locks may take the form, for example, of suitable structures positioned and aligned in the pole sections to secure and reach at all times in an infinite number of lengths. 
       FIG. 3  is a front cross-sectional view of the holder  50  of  FIG. 1 , shown in isolation. As shown therein, the holder  50  includes a frame  54  supported by a handle  52 . In at least some embodiments, the handle  52  includes a fitting  58  at its proximal end that is adapted to mate with the fitting at the distal end of the extension assembly  60  as described previously. In at least some such embodiments, the fittings  58 , 68  include complementary threads. Also in at least some such embodiments, the handle fitting  58  is a female fitting and the extension assembly fitting  68  is a male fitting. 
     At its distal end, the frame  54  includes a tool interface  56  that is adapted to receive and hold the interchangeable gutter tool  20 . In at least some embodiments, the tool interface  56  is a cylindrical forged metal roller pin or axle of the type utilized in a conventional paint roller, but in other embodiments the tool interface  56  may take on other forms or be manufactured from other materials. 
     Notably, in the illustrated embodiments, the frame  54  is produced from a single cylindrical rod to which one or more turns or angles are applied. For example, in the frame  54  of  FIG. 3 , such a rod extends vertically from the handle  52 , turns to the right at a 45-degree angle, turns vertical again via another 45-degree angle, and finally turns to the left at a 90-degree angle. However, in other embodiments, the rod might utilize different arrangements of bends. For example,  FIGS. 4 and 5  are front views of two alternative holders  150 , 250  in accordance with alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
     The tool interface  56  is arranged to hold the interchangeable gutter tool  20  at an angle relative to the axis of the handle  52  and/or relative to the axis of the extension assembly  60 . In particular, in some embodiments, the tool interface  56  is arranged to hold the interchangeable gutter tool  20  at a 90-degree angle relative to one or both of the aforementioned axes, while in other embodiments, the tool interface  56  is arranged to hold the interchangeable gutter tool  20  at an acute angle relative to one or both of the aforementioned axes. For example,  FIGS. 6 and 7  are front views of two alternative holders  350 , 450  in accordance with alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention. The angle of the tool interface  56  and thus the gutter tool  20  provides an appropriate angle of attack for dislodging and removing build-up, sediment of leaves, sticks, shingle particles, and other debris and materials from a gutter, as will be further described elsewhere herein. 
     In still other embodiments, the frame itself may be a straight member (i.e., with no turns or angles) extending from a side of the handle, or the handle may itself include one or more turns or angles, and/or the like. It will also be appreciated that, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the holder  50  may be constructed identically to the holder of a paint roller because of the convenience of an existing supply of holders or the ease of adoption of manufacturing techniques for same, but that alternative constructions may likewise be utilized. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the interchangeable gutter tool  20  of  FIG. 1 . The gutter tool  20  includes a mounting arm  22  and an operational member  24 . In  FIG. 8 , the operational member  24  is a trowel, but it will be appreciated that other types of operational members may be utilized and, in fact, that in at least some embodiments a variety of different gutter tools  20 , 120 , 220 , 320 , each having a different operational member  24 , 124 , 224 , 324 , may be substituted for each other by a user  90 , all while using the same holder  50 . In this regard,  FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an interchangeable gutter tool  120  in which the operational member  124  is a tined rake,  FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an interchangeable gutter tool  220  in which the operational member  224  is a multi-directional stiff-bristled brush, and  FIG. 11  is a side view of an interchangeable gutter tool  320  (shown mounted on the holder  50 ) in which the operational member  324  is a water sprayer that includes a nozzle  325  and an input fitting  327  suitable for connection to a standard garden hose (not shown). Other operational members may include scoops, garden shovels, spades, and other devices. In at least some embodiments, all or portions of such devices are constructed of synthetic resinous material, such as polyvinyl, polystyrene, or epoxy resins, but in some embodiments, metal, wood, or other materials may be used. 
       FIG. 12  is an enlarged front view of the interchangeable gutter tool  20  and holder  50  of  FIG. 1 . The interchangeable gutter tool  20  is mounted on the holder  50  by inserting the tool interface  56  of the holder into the mounting arm  22  of the tool  20 . If another tool  120 , 220 , 320  is to be used instead of the trowel tool  20 , such tool may be mounted on the holder  50  in the same way. In fact, in at least some embodiments one such tool may be removed from the holder  50  and replaced with another tool. 
     One preferred mounting arrangement is shown in  FIG. 13 , which is a fragmentary front exploded view of the gutter tool  20  and holder  50  of  FIG. 12 , and  FIG. 14 , which is a fragmentary front cross-sectional view of the gutter tool  20  and holder  50  of  FIG. 12 . As collectively shown therein, the mounting arm  22  includes an internal cavity  26 . A mounting assembly  40  is disposed within the cavity  26  and covered by an end cap  30 . The tool interface (rod)  56  is inserted through the end cap and into the mounting assembly  40 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the mounting assembly  40  includes a cartridge  42  surrounded by a compressible layer  44  of soft material such as foam or low-density cloth. The mounting assembly  40  is effectively fixed within the internal cavity  26  of the mounting arm  22  by the compression of the compressible layer  44  between the cartridge and the interior walls of the mounting arm  22 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 14 , the cartridge  42  is preferably a hollow cylindrical tube and includes a fixed entry sleeve  46  and a floating internal sleeve  48  disposed therein. The fixed entry sleeve  46  is disposed at an open end of the cartridge  42  and has an internal diameter that is wide enough for the tool interface (rod)  56  to be slipped in easily. The fixed entry sleeve may include a wide flange  47  for a purpose of covering the end of the cartridge  42 , a purpose of helping to retain the compressible layer  44  on the cartridge  42 , a purpose of helping to retain the fixed entry sleeve  46  (and thus the floating internal sleeve  48 ) in the cartridge  42 , and/or the like. The fixed entry sleeve  46  may be held in place via compression fitting, glue or other adhesive, or the like. The floating internal sleeve  48  is disposed, and is free to rotate, within the cartridge  42  and has an internal diameter that is narrower than that of the fixed entry sleeve  46 . The floating internal sleeve  48  is preferably made of a plastic that permits the end of the tool interface (rod)  56  to be forced into its interior but which is then retained tightly thereon. By selecting the appropriate diameter and material, the mounting assembly  40  may be designed to be forced easily onto the end of the tool interface (rod)  56  such that the floating internal sleeve  48  is held in place on the rod  56  and such that the cartridge  42  and compressible layer  44  rotate around the floating internal sleeve  48 . Because the gutter tool  20  is held in place on the mounting assembly  40  due to the compression of the compressible layer  44  within the mounting arm cavity  26 , the gutter tool  20  itself is thus arranged to rotate around the tool interface (rod)  56 . 
     To further assist in the retention of the mounting assembly  40  within the mounting arm cavity  26 , to provide an improved appearance, to facilitate ease of insertion of the tool interface (rod)  56  into the cartridge  42 , and/or the like, the end cap  30  is inserted into the open end of the mounting arm  22 , thereby imprisoning the cartridge therein. In this regard,  FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an end cap  30  suitable for use in one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. As shown therein, the end cap  30  includes a cover  32  and an insert section  34  whose external periphery includes one or more ribs  36 . An opening  38  penetrates the end cap cover  32  and is sized to permit the tool interface  56  (rod) to be inserted easily therethrough. The insert section  34  has a shape that corresponds to that of the cavity  26  and is sized to fit therein. The ribs  36  are preferably somewhat compressible so as to retain the insert section  34  within the cavity  26  via compression fit. A glue or similar material may be applied to further hold the end cap  30  in place in the end of the mounting arm  22 . 
     It will be appreciated that other gutter tools  120 , 220 , 320  may utilize a similar interior mounting assembly  40 , and that the various gutter tools  20 , 120 , 220 , 320  may be interchanged with each other. In some embodiments, a plurality of different gutter tools  20 , 120 , 220 , 320  are packaged and sold together. 
     It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the holder  50  may be a conventional paint roller holder, the mounting assembly  40  may be a conventional paint roller cover, the extension assembly  60  may be a conventional extension assembly, and the gutter tool  20 , 120 , 220 , 320 , may be a conventional garden tool. In this regard,  FIG. 16  is a front view of a paint roller cover installed on a paint roller holder. Suitable paint roller holders and covers are available, for example, from SHUR-LINE, of Huntersville, N.C. and Quali-Tech Manufacturing Company of Torrance, Calif., and suitable garden tools are available from Fiskars Corporation of Finland. 
     To prepare the gutter cleaning appliance  10  for use, a particular gutter tool  20 , 120 , 220 , 320  is selected by a user  90 , and the tool interface  56  (rod) is inserted into the cartridge  42  until it is held in place by the floating internal sleeve  48  thereof. Some amount of manually-applied force is necessary to accomplish such disposition. The assembled tool  20 , 120 , 220 , 320  and holder  50  may then be used as a gutter cleaning appliance by themselves, or the extension assembly  60  may be attached to the proximal end of the holder  50  via the respective fittings  68 , 58 . The appliance  10  may then be utilized as shown in  FIG. 17 , which is an illustration of a person  90  using the appliance  10  of  FIG. 1  to clean a gutter  92  on a house in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. More particularly, the extension assembly  60  is extended to a desired length so as to position the selected gutter tool (in  FIG. 17 , the trowel tool  24  of  FIG. 8 ) above and in line with the gutter  92 . By placing the sharp tip of the trowel tool  24  into the gutter  92 , the user  90  can easily determine the depth and magnitude of any debris in the gutter  92  while pushing and pulling the tool  24  along the base of the gutter  92 , thereby ascertaining whether any cleaning is necessary. The user  90  can also inspect the opening at the downspout of the gutter  92  by sliding and pushing the tool  24  in that area. All of this can be accomplished from the ground, without need for visual sight or close inspection and, importantly, without need for the use of a ladder or riser apparatus. 
     In some situations, it has been found suitable to strike or pull the pointed edge of the trowel head along the bottom inside surface of gutter  92  in order to remove build-up and unwanted blockage. The additional, interchangeable gutter tools  120 , 220 , 320  have heads used for brushing, raking, washing and rinsing, and scrapping are useful for different levels of build-up, finishing the clean-up task, or the like. Once the desired tool  20 , 120 , 220 , 320  is selected, the entire gutter cleaning appliance  10 , including the height of the extension assembly  60 , can be quickly and easily prepared for the described cleaning action by simply screwing the holder  50  onto the fitting  68  on the upper end of the extension assembly  60  and sliding the chosen gutter cleaning tool  20 , 120 , 220 , 320  onto the tool interface  56  of the frame  54 . This easy maneuver keeps the operator in control of any of an infinite number of desired positions to inspect a gutter  92  to ascertain if debris exists and to extract such material. Because there is no need to use a ladder (and the inherent time delays resulting from positioning the ladder, climbing up and down the ladder, and repeating the process many times), the process can be repeated on a regular basis rather than as a yearly endeavor, and/or in lieu of spending money to hire a professional gutter cleaner. 
     Advantageously, a mounting assembly  40  and tool interface  56  such as those described and illustrated herein, and particularly including the type used in a conventional paint roller, make it possible for a gutter tool  20 , 120 , 220 , 320  utilizing such a construction to rotate around the interface  56  with very little friction. In fact, any tool whose center of gravity is not collinear with the axis of the tool interface  56  and mounting assembly  40 , such as the trowel tool  24 , rake tool  124 , or water sprayer tool  324 , has a tendency to rotate around the interface  56  until the weight of the tool hangs downward, below the axis of the tool interface  56 . As a result, there is less need for a user  90  to manipulate the appliance  10  in awkward or difficult orientations or positions because such tools may be relied upon to rotate into the proper orientation and position within the gutter  92 . 
     The gutter cleaning appliance  10  may also be used to clean debris from the surface of the roof. More particularly, in the event that twigs, tree limbs or sticks are stranded and stuck upon one&#39;s roof, a person  90  can use the gutter cleaning appliance  10  may also, in some embodiments, be used as a hook, wherein the holder  50  is used with all gutter tools  20 , 120 , 220 , 320  removed and the tool interface  56  is bare. This hook action, using only the extension assembly  60  and holder  50 , makes removal of foreign objects from thus stated roof a straightforward task. 
     Further variation and utility may be supplied by changing the length of the tool interface  56 , or its position relative to the handle  52 . In this regard,  FIG. 18  is a front view of an alternative holder  550  in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this holder  550 , the tool interface  556  is longer or extends further to the side. As shown in  FIG. 19 , which is a front view of the holder  550  of  FIG. 18  with a tool  20  mounted thereon, the tool  20  may be disposed at a greater distance from the axis of the handle  52  (and although not shown, the extension assembly  60 , which in turn allows a user  90  to insert the tool  20  deeper into a gutter  92  or otherwise reach into areas not accessible with a shorter tool displacement. 
     Advantageously, the interchangeable gutter cleaning appliance  10  enables a homeowner or other user  90  to clean gutters  92  without expensive, complicated, and hazardous contraptions, thus the present stated invention permits one person to quickly, safely and thoroughly clean hard-to-reach, overhead gutters without resorting to unsafe ladders or otherwise taking inconvenient risks. With the simplicity provided by the interchangeable gutter cleaning appliance  10  of the present invention, homeowners will be less inclined to ignore this significant chore. Furthermore, the result through regular maintenance helps ensure that water damage to home and property from overflowing gutters will be reduced and gutter repairs resulting from being overloaded with sediment will likewise be reduced. Still further, public health is promoted through the frequent removal of the breeding grounds for mosquitoes, snakes, rodents and other insects in shallow pools and soggy pockets otherwise produced by clogged gutters. The infinitely adjustable working components of the tool assure that virtually all gutters within reach of the infinite extension assembly heights can be properly cleaned and prepared for their intentional use. 
     Based on the foregoing information, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. 
     Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements; the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.