Abstract:
This invention pertains to a rain gutter cleaning tool set with a primary fork-like attachment that allows for the removal of leaf and twig debris. There may be a secondary scoop-like attachment that may be used to remove mud or sludge from the gutter. Both of the attachments may independently attach to a piece of tubing that may be curved/or bent in spots with an extension that supports a mirror. The tubing may have breaks making it more than one piece of curved/bent tubing. These pieces of tubing may be rotated and secured at their juncture to create different working angles for the attachments. The attachments can also rotate to work in different directions and/or angles. The mirror may rotate to accommodate viewing of the various attachment positions and may also be adjustable for tilt and swivel and height. The tool may utilize an adjustable extension pole to allow access to gutters while users operate it from the ground. The tool and pole may have provisions to prevent loosening while in use.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/132,501, filed Mar. 12, 2015, titled “Rain Gutter Cleaning Tool;” the content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates generally to a tool for removing leaves and debris from rain gutters, and more particularly to an adjustable tool for removing leaves and debris from rain gutters. 
         [0004]    2. Related Art 
         [0005]    Other rain gutter cleaning tools have been produced. One tool for this purpose has addressed the gutter cleaning problem by using a straight pole with a paddle or rake to pull the debris toward the user and is operated from atop of a ladder. There is one tool that has two arms that pinch the debris for removal. There is a mechanical robot that requires the user to climb a ladder to insert it, and there are devices that use water or air to facilitate the removal of debris. The inventor is not aware of any tool with a mirror that is attached to the debris removal part of the tool to provide a view of the debris and its relationship to the tool during use, or with the ability to configure the tool for manipulation in different situations. In addition, there is not a tool that has an attachment like a fork that: (i) lifts debris from the gutter while allowing water to drain through; and (ii) is designed to push debris through the gutter supports and then drag out the debris from the other side. Thus, this invention provides improvements over the existing gutter debris removal tools and is designed to be simple in construction, lightweight, economical, quick to implement into action and highly effective for its purpose. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    This is a unique tool set for removing leaves and debris from rain gutters (including first and second story rain gutters) or gutter guards that allows the user to scoop away debris with a fork-like instrument attached to an extension pole while remaining on the ground, and without having to climb a ladder. There is an attached mirror providing the ability to see inside the gutter so that the tool can be used efficiently to remove debris. This tool has simple adjustment points that in combination create several different configurations for use in either direction through a gutter as well as to dig debris from out of a downspout or tight areas. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0007]    The invention can be better understood by referring to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1 :  FIG. 1  shows an implementation of the tool that may be employed from the ground. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2 :  FIG. 2  illustrates an implementation of the tool attached to an extension pole. “A” is a fork attachment. “B” is a rotation point for the fork attachment. “C” is the neck of the tool. “D” is a mirror extension and support component. “E” is a mirror and its extension rod. “F” is an extension pole. “G &amp; H” are tightening screws, one possible means for securing against rotation. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3 :  FIG. 3  illustrates an implementation of the tool showing the fork attachment rotated vertically to dig leaves and debris out of tight areas and downspouts. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4 :  FIG. 4  illustrates an implementation of the tool with the fork attachment rotated vertically in the opposite direction. The fork may be rotated to travel either direction through the gutters. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5 :  FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded view of an implementation of the tool. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6 :  FIG. 6  is an illustration of an implementation of the fork attachment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7 :  FIG. 7  is an illustration of an implementation of a scoop attachment that may be used in conjunction with the tool, and a push-button locking mechanism. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8 :  FIG. 8  is an illustration of pointed screws that may be used to secure the tool to an extension pole to prevent loosening when in use. These same screws may be used to keep the mirror secure as well. The tool may include an extension pole or lengths of poles that utilize spring buttons, for example, to secure it and to allow extension in the length of the poles. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    This invention relates to cleaning leaves, mud and debris out of rain gutters attached to buildings and can also be used to remove the debris that inevitably gets stuck to gutter protective covers. This tool serves many purposes: it provides a way for the user to clean the gutters without having to get out a ladder and secure good footing on uneven, muddy or slippery ground. This tool prevents the user form having to take the risk of climbing a ladder and risking a fall in order to clean debris from his or her rain gutters. This tool can allow a quick and easy cleaning of debris from rain gutters when they become blocked during a storm, to stop the overflowing of water from the gutter. This tool provides the ability for the user to see where and what the debris is in relation to the removal apparatus while it is being implemented from the ground to make the job easier and more efficient. This invention has many ways to adjust the parts in relation to each other allowing for ease of access to debris wherever it exists within the gutter. This tool is lightweight and economical making it an asset to the homeowner for maintaining their rain gutters. 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  illustrates a rain gutter cleaning tool that may be used with an extendable pole from the ground. The operator in this illustration may use the fork attachment in the gutter and travel to the left. The user may push the debris through the gutter and under the gutter supports that are located periodically at the top of the gutter. The tines on the back of the tool help drag debris the rest of the way through the gutter supports. Whenever the user determines that she wants to remove the accumulated debris she would lift or flip it out of the gutter. If the user still had more gutter to clean then she would continue until the job was done. An extension pole could provide access to second story gutters on many buildings. 
         [0018]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the part labeled “A” is a fork/leaf removal attachment. It includes a double layer of tines. The bottom layer would slide along the bottom of the rain gutter loosening debris and lifting it out. The tines will allow water to drain through. There may be a solid plate at the base of the tines to collect finer debris. The upper layer of tines (which may be a solid plate in some implementations) may be blunted and are useful for pushing the debris through the gutter supports. The downward facing tines on the back of the fork may be used to grab debris out from under a gutter support after it has been pushed through. Part “B” shows an elbow shaped part that allows the fork to be rotated either left or right, (by pushing the lower spring button) or rotated vertically by pushing the upper spring button. Spring buttons may be used in some implementations to secure the fork it in its various positions, although various means may be used, as appreciated by those of skill in the art. Part “C” points to an implementation of the neck of the tool. Part “D” points to a mirror support rod. Part “E” depicts an implementation of a mirror extension piece. Note that the rod that supports the mirror may slide in and out to change the position of the mirror over the fork attachment as well as rotate the angle of the mirror. Part “F” shows an extension pole that may be used. Parts “G &amp; H” show pointed screws that may be tightened to prevent rotation of the rod that the mirror is mounted on and the extension pole that the tool is mounted to. 
         [0019]      FIG. 3  illustrates the way that the fork attachment may be rotated vertically for cleaning leaves and debris out of tight spots or the opening of the downspouts. 
         [0020]      FIG. 4  illustrates the fork attachment positioned vertically, but this time facing the opposite direction as shown in  FIG. 3 , making it easier for the operator to adapt it in different situations. 
         [0021]    In  FIG. 5 , there is an exploded illustration of an implementation of the tool. Part “A” is the “fork” or debris removal part, it will be described more completely in a later paragraph. Part “B” is an elbow with various holes to accept spring buttons so that the position of the fork can be rotated to the left or right, or more vertically when facing either direction. Part “C” is the neck of the tool that attaches to the extension pole and houses the mirror support. Part “D” is the mirror and its extension tube. It can be rotated to different angles over the fork, and extended in or out for optimal viewing of the fork when in use. The mirror may be constructed of Plexiglas, and may incorporate a frame. It is of sufficient size for easy viewing inside the gutter and the fork, even on second story gutters. Parts “E &amp; F” are possible methods of securing the tool to prevent loosening when in use. These are pointed screws that would “bite” into the tubing inside when it is screwed in snugly, thus preventing the rotation of the tube that sleeves over it. 
         [0022]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged and more detailed illustration of the fork/leaf removal attachment. Note that there may be a double layer of tines on one side. The shorter set “A” may be used to push debris through the gutter supports, so the ends may be blunted. This could also be a solid plate instead of tines in some implementations. The lower/longer set of tines “B” may be used to slide along through the bottom channel in the rain gutter. As debris builds up, it would be lifted out with these tines and flipped out of the gutter. There may be a solid plate at the base of these tines to help collect finer matter, in the vicinity of “C”. The downward facing tines labeled “D” on the back side of the fork attachment may be used for grabbing debris out from under the gutter supports after it was pushed through. This is done simply by backing these tines under the support (after the upper and lower tines were used to push the debris through the support) then letting the weight of the tool drop to grab the debris and drag it out. There may be a “spring” or “snap” button “E” that engages in holes located in the elbow part that the fork attaches to ( FIG. 5 , part “B”). This allows the fork to rotate, allowing it to travel to the left or the right. The exact size of all the components may be refined at the time of manufacturing, but in some implementations, the length of the tines (“F”) may be between 1″ and 12″, and the overall width of tines (“G”) may be between 1″ and 6″. This illustration is showing 3 tines on each set of tines, but, as an example, there may be anywhere from 1 tine or bar, to 60 tines, and each set of tines will not necessarily have the same number of tines. 
         [0023]    In  FIG. 7 , looking at the illustration of parts that are contained within the bracket labeled “A”, an implementation of a connection method is shown for all of the parts that are made of tubing in the rain gutter cleaning tool: Part # 1  is the “male” end of a tube; Item # 2  is a rounded button that is above the surface of the tube but can be depressed level with the tube because it a spring; Part # 4  is the “female” tubing with holes (# 3  and # 6 ) that slides over part # 1 . The button (# 2 ) is first depressed to allow part # 4  to slide over but the button pops up into a hole such as shown by # 3  or # 6  to then lock and secure the two tubes together. The option for such a type of connection between the parts of the rain gutter cleaning tool is for ease of use and to eliminate the need for screws and wing nuts. In some implementation, the screw-on attachment to the extension pole of the rain gutter cleaning tool may become loose when used going one direction as the pressure on the pole could cause the tool to twist and loosen and the pole that is used may become twisted and loosen the extensions so they became unsecured. So to alleviate this problem the rain gutter cleaning tool may include its own extension pole with connections as shown (but not limited to) in this illustration within the bracket labeled “A”. Next, the part labeled # 6  is an illustration of another implementation of attachment for the rain gutter cleaning tool. This part (# 6 ) is a scoop that would attach to the terminal end of the tubing where the fork attachment attaches (once the fork attachment is removed). The intention of this attachment is to allow the user to scoop mud from the gutter if desired. This would be used after the debris removing attachment had gotten the leaf and twig debris out of the gutter. The scoop may include holes to allow water to drain out. 
         [0024]      FIG. 8  illustrates an implementation of the neck where it attaches to the extension pole. The parts labeled # 1  are the end of the rain gutter cleaning tool that attach to the extension pole (# 2 ), showing how one or two holes accepting the screw(s) might be manufactured into this part. The screw(s) are labeled # 3  and the screw(s) might have a point that would “grab” into the extension pole (# 2 ) when the pole has been screwed into the receiving end (# 1 ) of the rain gutter cleaning tool. Once the pole and the tool are joined, the screw(s) labeled # 3  may be tightened into the pole to prevent it from loosening with pressure. Note that the interior threads that accept the extension pole (# 2 ) within the rain gutter cleaning tool (# 1 ) are further up inside the tool to allow for the tool to extend further over the extension pole so that the screw(s) may tighten below the extension pole&#39;s threads. Another method to prevent loosening may be utilizing the same spring buttons described above. 
         [0025]    This rain gutter cleaning tool may be made from lightweight materials, such as molded plastic, poly carbonate, or pvc. The mirror attachment (part # 1  in  FIG. 6 ) may be a plastic body with appropriate mirror material, such as Plexiglas mirror and appropriate parts to allow for the adjustability of the mirror. Any screws, bolts, springs, buttons, nuts or washers etc. may be made out of metal, preferably one that is not prone to rust. This rain gutter cleaning tool may include an extension pole of a certain design that prevents the pole from loosening during use. It may include separate parts that can be used so that the user can use their own pole but employ these parts to clamp their pole in such a way that loosening is prevented. This document including the drawings is produced to outline as thoroughly as I can the essence of the rain gutter cleaning tool but it is not my intention for it to limit the parts to those named or shown, or the materials or manufacturing methods either. It should be allowed that I, not being and engineer or manufacturer cannot know all the details it would take to produce this rain gutter cleaning tool commercially, and that I reserve the right to correct or have corrected mistakes or make reasonable revisions without losing my claim on the overall design and method of use of this tool. I have attempted a thorough proofreading and editing, but typographical errors may also be present and I reserve the right to correct should they change the meaning unintentionally of my specifications.