Patent Description:
Gutters are frequently used to transport water from rooftops to downspouts or other water channeling means in order to prevent damage associated with excessive roof water runoff. In this regard, gutters are typically mounted on fascia or siding of buildings below the roofing shingles. Water can thus run from the shingles, into the gutters, and down adjoining downspouts.

Gutter efficacy requires properly arranged gutters and clear pathways for water movement. Clogs or restrictions can block water flow and reduce gutter efficiency. In heavy rain, clogged gutters can result in spillover, reducing gutter utility and potentially causing damage to underlying structures, such as housing foundation.

One particularly common way gutters become clogged is through trapped debris which collects over time. Exemplary debris includes leaves, branches, nuts, bird nests, and grains detached from overlying shingles. Leaves dropped by nearby trees during the months of fall are particularly troublesome and require annual, or even weekly, removal. Over time, debris compacts and hardens, further complicating gutter drainage.

Traditionally, debris is removed from gutters by hand. However, such removal process is dangerous and puts human life at risk. Further, it is sometimes impossible to adequately clean the gutters of debris by hand.

Accordingly, a device for easily and safely cleaning gutters is desired.

A roof debris removal apparatus is disclosed in <CIT>. The roof debris removal apparatus comprises a platform with a plurality of omnidirectional rollers disposed at the bottom corners thereof, with a telescopic pole connected to the platform for manipulating the apparatus in multiple directions across a roof surface by an operator standing on the ground. A leaf blower, floor dryer or a water jet mechanism is secured to the platform, and a power source is connected to the leaf blower, floor dryer or a water jet mechanism. The apparatus is utilized to remove debris, such as leaves and twigs, from a roof surface.

<CIT> describes a portable air blower that is selectively removably secured to the upper end of a length adjustable extension pole to blow twigs, leaves or other debris from a rain gutter or other elevated structures or surfaces. The air blower has a prolate spheroid shape and comprises a body, a blower arranged in the body, and an air discharge nose cone attached to the body.

<CIT> shows an air controlled overhead gutter cleaner having a head portion and a hollow supporting arm portion. The head is adapted for movement along the gutter under control of a person walking along the ground. The head is shaped such that as air, which is forced through the hollow support arm, exits from the head, leaves and other debris in the gutter are blown out of the gutter. A rear baffle is provided to deflect the expelled material forward and off the roof. Disks are mounted to head and serve to control the forward-backward movement of head.

<CIT> also refers to device for cleaning gutters. The gutter cleaning device comprises a rotating brush, which is mounted on a carriage which runs on the gutter and throws the dirt in the gutter out of the gutter by its rotational movement. Debris carried away by the brush is collected via a debris hopper in an on-board bag attached to the carriage. The brush is driven by a small, commercially available drill that is also attached to the carriage. Furthermore, wheels are provided on the carriage for guiding the gutter cleaning device along the gutter.

<CIT> describes a portable, motor-operated rain gutter cleaning device for removing leaves and other debris from rain gutters on buildings. An electric motor is pivotally mounted on the end of a telescoping rigid tubular handle with the electric cord for the motor extending along the interior of the handle to a switch mounted on the opposite handle end. A plurality of short sections of flexible line are mounted on the motor shaft for rotation with a high velocity by the motor. Each of the sections of line have a preformed configuration having a portion which extends in a generally radially outwardly direction from the shaft and an integrally connected portion which then extends in a generally concavely curved direction toward the direction of shaft rotation. A bracket is mounted on the motor housing and has a pair of rollers which are mounted at right angles with respect to a third roller to provide for rolling engagement with the horizontal and vertical outer edges of a rain gutter. The whirling action of the sections of line in combination with their preformed contour dislodges leaves from the gutter without cutting the same into small pieces. A user of the device walks along the ground below the roof edge and with the extended handle rolls the motor along the gutter on the rollers while energizing the motor by the switch.

<CIT> discloses a gutter cleaner system and a method of a gutter cleaning system comprises providing a housing configured to fit into a gutter, disposing at least one impeller at an end of the housing, driving the impeller with an impeller drive facility, the impeller drive facility being disposed within the housing, and attaching the housing to a placement facility for guiding the housing along the gutter.

In accordance with a first aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a gutter cleaner including a fan assembly configured to generate airflow to blow debris from a gutter, a cage at least partially disposed around the fan assembly and configured to prevent ingress of clogging debris into the fan assembly, and a wheel system configured to roll along the gutter, wherein the wheel system is non-powered. The wheel system includes an inner wheel and an outer wheel, the outer wheel having a flange configured to interact with the gutter and to guide the gutter cleaner along the gutter, wherein the wheel system is configured to at least partially support the gutter cleaner. The fan assembly is disposed between the inner wheel and the outer wheel, and a diameter of the wheel system is greater than a maximum dimension of the fan assembly.

In accordance with a second aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of cleaning a gutter with the gutter cleaner of the first aspect. The method includes positioning the gutter cleaner at an operable area relative to the gutter, and moving the gutter cleaner along the length of the gutter.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the invention.

In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the claims.

As used herein, the terms "first," "second," and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and do not necessarily signify sequence or importance of the individual components. As used herein, terms of approximation, such as "generally," or "about" include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, "generally vertical" includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Referring now to the Figures, the present disclosure is generally directed to gutter cleaners that allow an operator to more safely and efficiently remove debris from gutters. <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary gutter cleaner <NUM> including an upper portion <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM>. In use, the upper portion <NUM> is disposed generally above the lower portion <NUM>, such as above a gutter to be cleaned. In an embodiment, the upper portion <NUM> of the gutter cleaner <NUM> may be supported on a surface of the gutter and/or roof of a building. Simultaneously, the lower portion <NUM> can be held by an operator located at a vertical elevation below the gutter. For instance, the operator can stand on nearby ground surface while holding the lower portion <NUM> of the gutter cleaner <NUM> such that the upper portion <NUM> is disposed at a vertical elevation above the gutter.

The gutter cleaner <NUM> will generally include a fan assembly <NUM> configured to generate airflow, a cage <NUM> configured to prevent ingress of debris into the fan assembly <NUM> and prevent the upper portion <NUM> of the gutter cleaner <NUM> from dropping into the gutter and hitting mounting brackets/braces of the gutter, and a wheel system <NUM> configured to roll along the gutter and/or roof of the building and support the gutter cleaner <NUM> relative to the gutter.

The fan assembly <NUM> can be configured to generate output airflow, AOUT, by drawing air, AIN, through an air inlet <NUM> (<FIG>) and biasing output airflow, AOUT, through an exit port <NUM> (<FIG>) in the fan assembly <NUM> toward the gutter. The fan assembly <NUM> can be configured to generate airflow at a volumetric airflow rate of at least <NUM> cubic feet per minute (cfm) during operation, such as at least <NUM> cfm, such as at least <NUM> cfm, such as at least <NUM> cfm. The fan assembly <NUM> can be configured to generate a thrust of at least <NUM> N, such as at least <NUM> N, such as at least <NUM> N, such as at least <NUM> N, such as at least <NUM> N, such as at least <NUM> N, such as at least <NUM> N, such as at least <NUM> N, such as at least <NUM> N. In an embodiment, the fan assembly <NUM> can generate an airflow velocity of at least <NUM> miles per hour (MPH), such as at least <NUM> MPH, such as at least <NUM> MPH, such as at least <NUM> MPH. In a particular embodiment, the fan assembly <NUM> can generate a thrust in a range of <NUM> N to <NUM> N and an airflow velocity in a range of <NUM> MPH and <NUM> MPH.

In certain instances, the fan assembly <NUM> can generate a fixed volumetric airflow. In other instances, the fan assembly <NUM> can operate at variable speeds to produce variable airflow rates.

In an embodiment, the cage <NUM> can extend circumferentially around the fan assembly <NUM>. The cage <NUM> can define a plurality of openings <NUM> through which air can be received by the fan assembly <NUM>. In an embodiment, the cage <NUM> can define a porosity, as measured by a ratio [O:M] of open space, O, of the openings <NUM> to material space, M, occupied by material of the cage <NUM>, of at least <NUM>:<NUM>, such as at least <NUM>:<NUM>, such as at least <NUM>:<NUM>, such as at least <NUM>:<NUM>, such as at least <NUM>:<NUM>, such as at least <NUM>:<NUM>, such as at least <NUM>:<NUM>. The openings <NUM> can extend around the entire circumference of the cage <NUM>. In an embodiment, the openings <NUM> can be evenly distributed along the cage <NUM>. In another embodiment, the openings <NUM> can define a variable density. For instance, the porosity of the cage <NUM> can be greater at a first location than a second location. By way of example, the first location can be located near the air inlet <NUM> of the fan assembly <NUM> and the second location can be disposed closer to the exit port <NUM> of the fan assembly <NUM>. In such a manner, the air inlet <NUM> can more readily draw a larger air supply while the fan assembly <NUM> remains unclogged from airborne debris, e.g., debris raised from the gutter by the airflow generated by the fan assembly <NUM>.

The upper portion <NUM> of the gutter cleaner <NUM> can be coupled to the lower portion <NUM> of the gutter cleaner <NUM> through a handle <NUM>. The handle <NUM> can have an adjustable length such that an operator can use the gutter cleaner <NUM> to clean gutters at various heights. In an embodiment, the handle <NUM> can include a plurality of segments <NUM> coupled together at intermediary interfaces <NUM>. In an embodiment, the segments <NUM> can have similar lengths as one another. In another embodiment, the segments <NUM> can define variable lengths. The interfaces <NUM> can comprise snap fits, interference fits, cotters, threaded or non-threaded fasteners, collars, or other known coupling elements. The operator can select the number and/or size of the segments <NUM> to accommodate the height of the gutter to be cleaned and selectively join the segments <NUM> using interfaces <NUM> prior to beginning the gutter cleaning operation. In another embodiment, the handle <NUM> can extend longitudinally, including for example, telescopically nested segments <NUM> which can be selectively elongated or retracted according to need. In an embodiment, longitudinal extension can occur manually, i.e., the operator can pull the segments <NUM> longitudinally. In another embodiment, longitudinal extension of the handle <NUM> can be performed by a drive unit, such as an electric motor.

As described in greater detail herein, the lower portion <NUM> of the gutter cleaner <NUM> can include, or be configured to engage with, operating elements <NUM> of the gutter cleaner <NUM> including, for example, one or more batteries, control units like triggers, safeties, and speed controls, processors, and the like. In an embodiment, the lowermost end <NUM> of the power portion <NUM> of the gutter cleaner <NUM> can be defined at least in part by the operating elements <NUM>.

An uppermost end <NUM> of the handle <NUM> can be directly or indirectly engaged with the fan assembly <NUM>. In an embodiment, engagement between the handle <NUM> and fan assembly <NUM> can be dynamic such that an operator can adjust an angular orientation of the fan assembly <NUM> with respect to the handle <NUM>. In an embodiment, the fan assembly <NUM> and handle <NUM> may be coupled together through a dynamic interface <NUM>. In such a manner, the operator can select an appropriate angular orientation of the fan assembly <NUM> based on required need. Exemplary considerations for determining angular orientation of the fan assembly <NUM> with respect to the handle <NUM> include available standing area near the gutter, slope of the surface upon which the operator will be standing, obstructions impeding operator movement (e.g., porches, trees, bushes, etc.), and the height of the gutter.

In certain instances, the dynamic interface <NUM> may be directly adjustable, i.e., the operator can adjust the angular orientation of the fan assembly <NUM> by directly manipulating the dynamic interface <NUM> prior to positioning the upper portion <NUM> of the gutter cleaner <NUM> on the gutter. For example, in a non-limiting embodiment, the dynamic interface <NUM> may require manual access to reposition the angle of the fan assembly <NUM>. In directly manipulatable instances, the dynamic interface <NUM> may only be adjustable when the upper portion <NUM> of the gutter cleaner <NUM> is at the same elevation as the operator such that the operator can access the dynamic interface <NUM>. In other instances, the dynamic interface <NUM> may be indirectly adjustable. That is, the dynamic interface <NUM> may be configured to self-adjust to the gutter in situ. Referring to <FIG>, and by way of a non-limiting example, the dynamic interface <NUM> may include a ball joint <NUM> with a ball <NUM> disposed in a socket <NUM>. The ball <NUM> can be coupled to either the handle <NUM> or the fan assembly <NUM> and the socket <NUM> can be connected to the other of the handle <NUM> and fan assembly <NUM>. An adjuster <NUM> may be used to adjust tension in the ball joint <NUM>. The adjuster <NUM> may include, for example, a threaded fastener configured to adjust the tension of the socket <NUM>. Alternatively, the adjuster <NUM> can include a spring, a bayonet connection, cabling, non-threaded fasteners, or the like. Tighter sockets <NUM> may be less adjustable than looser sockets <NUM> in situ. For instances when the operator desires a custom, continuous angular disposition, the socket <NUM> should be tighter than when the operator wants to maintain rolling communication between the gutter cleaner <NUM> and gutter where the gutter has variable characteristics. That is, looser sockets <NUM> may permit the gutter cleaner <NUM> to more easily adapt to varying topography and conditions along the gutter.

In an embodiment, the dynamic interface <NUM> can include a second ball joint <NUM> including a second ball <NUM> and a second socket <NUM>. The second ball joint <NUM> can be disposed at an opposite end of the dynamic interface <NUM>. For instance, the dynamic interface <NUM> can include a first component <NUM> and a second component <NUM> extending between a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The first and second components <NUM> and <NUM> may float relative to each other, e.g., be adjustable in at least one of their position and orientation with respect to one another, and be selectively adjusted relative to one another using the adjuster <NUM>. In an embodiment, the tension of the first and second ball joints <NUM> and <NUM> may be simultaneously adjusted by the adjuster <NUM>. Use of two ball joints <NUM> and <NUM>, i.e., two dynamic hinge locations, may facilitate easier operation of the gutter cleaner <NUM> in instances where a single ball joint is insufficient to accommodate the geometry of the gutter.

When using self-adjusting dynamic interfaces <NUM>, the operator may be able to position the upper portion <NUM> of the gutter cleaner <NUM> above the gutter and cause the upper portion <NUM> to at least partially self-align with respect to the gutter. That is, the dynamic interface <NUM> can accommodate and semi-automatically adjust to an appropriate relative angle between the handle <NUM> and upper portion <NUM>. In an embodiment, the operator can then selectively lock the dynamic interface <NUM> at the adjusted position.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the gutter cleaner <NUM> where the wheel system <NUM> includes two wheels - an inner wheel <NUM> and an outer wheel <NUM>. The use of terms "inner" and "outer" is made with reference to the orientation of the gutter cleaner <NUM> when cleaning a gutter attached to a building. That is, the inner wheel <NUM> may be disposed closer to a roof of the building than the outer wheel <NUM>. In certain instances, the inner wheel <NUM> may even contact the roof of the building instead of the gutter while the outer wheel <NUM> contacts the gutter. Features or characteristics specifically described with respect to either the inner wheel <NUM> or outer wheel <NUM> are not intended to be limited to that wheel and may be included on the other wheel instead of, or in addition to, inclusion on the described wheel, within the limits defined by the claims.

In an embodiment, the inner wheel <NUM> can have a circumferential profile configured to roll on a roof of a building. An outer edge <NUM> of the inner wheel <NUM> can have a tapered profile to conform more closely to the angled roof to be contacted. In certain instances, the outer edge <NUM> can define a discontinuous surface, including for example, one or more castellations, undulations, ridges, projections, tines, zig-zags, or other features which might allow the inner wheel <NUM> to more readily roll over a wider range of variable roof topography. Surface coatings, treatments, or attachments may be provided along the outer edge <NUM> to enhance grip with the roof and prevent the outer edge <NUM> from scraping there against.

The outer wheel <NUM> can be configured to rest along an outer lip of the gutter during operation. The outer wheel <NUM> will include at least one flange <NUM> which can be extending around at least a portion of the circumference of the outer wheel <NUM>. In operation, the flange <NUM> can extend into the gutter while a contact surface <NUM> of the outer wheel <NUM> rolls along the outer lip of the gutter. In another embodiment, the flange <NUM> can extend downward along an outer edge of the gutter while the contact surface <NUM> rolls along the outer lip of the gutter. The flange <NUM> and contact surface <NUM> can maintain the gutter cleaner <NUM> aligned with respect to the gutter being cleaned. In an embodiment, at least one of the flange <NUM> and contact surface <NUM> can include a surface coating, treatment, or attachment to enhance grip with the gutter and prevent the outer wheel <NUM> from scraping there against.

At least one of the inner and outer wheels <NUM> and <NUM> can be configured to roll during gutter cleaning operations. That is, for example, the inner wheel <NUM> may roll along the roof and the outer wheel <NUM> may roll along the gutter while the operator moves the gutter cleaner <NUM> along the length of the gutter. In an embodiment, at least one of the inner and outer wheels <NUM> and <NUM> can be configured to maintain rolling contact with the gutter and/or roof. As used herein, "rolling contact" refers to contact between bodies (e.g., two bodies) where a relative velocity between contacting surfaces of the bodies is zero, or approximately zero, at the point of contact. Rolling contact may be maintained even when the wheel(s) jumps or otherwise breaks rolling contact for short or temporary segments, e.g., when rolling over obstructions such as debris or at low friction areas of the roof where the wheel(s) loses traction. The inner and outer wheels <NUM> and <NUM> are non-powered.

In certain instances, rotational resistance of the inner wheel <NUM>, the outer wheel <NUM>, or both can be adjustable. One exemplary method for adjusting rotational resistance as described with respect to the inner wheel <NUM> may include adjusting characteristics of an interface between the inner wheel <NUM> and a central hub <NUM> upon which the inner wheel <NUM> rotates. The central hub <NUM> can be connected to the handle <NUM> through intermediary framework <NUM> (<FIG>). In an embodiment, the intermediary framework <NUM> can be connected to the handle <NUM> through a second hub <NUM> which forms a rotatable interface with the outer wheel <NUM>. The rotational resistance between the second hub <NUM> and outer wheel <NUM> may optionally be adjustable.

In one or more embodiments, the inner and outer wheels <NUM> and <NUM> may lie along generally parallel planes. Referring to <FIG>, the inner and outer wheels <NUM> and <NUM> may alternatively lie along planes <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, which intersect one another. In an embodiment, the planes <NUM> and <NUM> can intersect at a location below the fan assembly <NUM>, i.e., closer to the exit port <NUM> than the air inlet <NUM>. In such a manner, the gutter cleaner <NUM> may taper to a narrower dimension where contact with the gutter occurs. The tapered profile allows the inlet area to be larger than the outlet area. This can improve performance over embodiments where the inlet and outlet areas have the same size as one another.

<FIG> further illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the cage <NUM> where an upper portion <NUM> defines a generally planar segment extending between the inner and outer wheels <NUM> and <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM> defines a concave segment extending between the inner and outer wheels <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of the upper portion <NUM> of the gutter cleaner <NUM>, including the fan assembly <NUM>, cage <NUM>, inner and outer wheels <NUM> and <NUM>, the ball <NUM>, hubs <NUM> and <NUM>, and framework <NUM>. In an embodiment, the fan assembly <NUM> can be connected to the framework <NUM> which engages with the hubs <NUM> and <NUM> to permit the inner and outer wheels <NUM> and <NUM> to rotate when the gutter cleaner <NUM> is translated along the gutter. The fan assembly <NUM> can include a sidewall <NUM> defining a lumen <NUM> through which airflow can be biased. A fan <NUM> rotatably driven by a motor <NUM> can bias airflow through the lumen <NUM> in a direction corresponding with arrow <NUM>. The airflow generated by the fan <NUM> can be biased through the exit port <NUM> to remove debris from the gutter there below. In an embodiment, the fan <NUM> can be disposed above the motor <NUM>. That is, the motor <NUM> can be disposed between the gutter and the fan <NUM>. In an embodiment, the lumen <NUM> can include one or more stators do remove air swirl from the airflow generated by the fan <NUM>. In another embodiment, the lumen <NUM> can be devoid of stators which remove air swirl. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that in certain instances, swirling airflow may enhance debris removal from gutters as compared to airflow devoid of swirl.

Referring again to <FIG>, the cage <NUM> can define a primary opening <NUM> generally aligned with the exit port <NUM> of the fan assembly <NUM>. The primary opening <NUM> can be disposed adjacent to the exit port <NUM> such that biased airflow can pass relatively unrestricted through the cage <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the primary opening <NUM> has a circular profile. In other embodiments, the primary opening <NUM> can define a non-circular profile, such as a polygonal profile, a non-circular arcuate profile (e.g., an oval), or a profile having a combination of polygonal and arcuate portions. Air passing through the primary opening <NUM> can contact debris within the gutter and clear the debris therefrom. In certain instances, the gutter cleaner <NUM> can pass over one or more downspouts of the gutter system. In an embodiment, the gutter cleaner <NUM> can be used with the same configuration over the downspouts as the rest of the gutter system. In another embodiment, the gutter cleaner <NUM> may include an attachment (not illustrated) for the primary opening <NUM> which further guides airflow into the downspout. The attachment may engage with the primary opening <NUM> (e.g., seat within or adjacent to the primary opening <NUM>) and have an exit profile more similar to the shape of the downspout so as to maximize debris clearing efficacy.

<FIG> illustrates part of the lower portion <NUM> of the gutter cleaner <NUM>. The lower portion <NUM> includes the operating elements <NUM>, including for instance a trigger <NUM>, a trigger safety <NUM>, and a battery port <NUM> configured to receive a battery <NUM>. In certain instances, the battery port <NUM> and/or battery <NUM> can define the lowermost end <NUM> of the lower end <NUM>. The battery port <NUM> can be disposed between the lowermost end <NUM> and the trigger <NUM>. In such a manner, the weight of the battery <NUM>, when attached to the battery port <NUM>, can offset weight of components disposed on the upper portion <NUM> of the gutter cleaner <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the battery <NUM> can be received in and/or removed from the battery port <NUM> by translating the battery <NUM> in a direction generally parallel with a length of the handle <NUM>. One or more retention elements (not illustrated) can selectively engage with the battery <NUM> to electrically connect the battery <NUM> relative to the battery port <NUM>.

The lower portion <NUM> can include a handle <NUM> disposed at a location readily available to access the trigger <NUM> and/or trigger safety <NUM>. In certain instances, the gutter cleaner <NUM> can further include a secondary handle disposed along the handle <NUM> such that an operator can grip the gutter cleaner <NUM> with two hands disposed at two spaced apart locations. The secondary handle may be adjustably coupled with the handle <NUM> such that the operator can alter any one of a location and angular orientation of the secondary handle. An auxiliary fastener <NUM> may be disposed along the handle <NUM> to permit attachment of the gutter cleaner <NUM> to a harness, such as a waist band or shoulder strap, attached to the body of the operator.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a cross-sectional view of part of the lower portion <NUM>. The trigger <NUM> can include an engageable portion <NUM> extending outward from a body <NUM> of the handle <NUM>. The trigger <NUM> can be rotatably coupled to the body <NUM> along an axis <NUM> whereby an actuator <NUM> of the trigger <NUM> can operatively move between an off-position and an on-position to engage the gutter cleaner <NUM>. The trigger safety <NUM> can include an engageable portion <NUM> extending outward from the body <NUM> of the handle <NUM>. The trigger safety <NUM> can be rotatably coupled to the body <NUM> along an axis <NUM> whereby an actuator <NUM> of the trigger safety <NUM> can move from a locked position to an unlocked position. In the locked position, a flange <NUM> of the actuator <NUM> may restrict the trigger <NUM> in the off-position and prevent the trigger <NUM> from moving to the on-position. When pivoted to the unlocked position, the flange <NUM> can be cleared from the actuator <NUM> of the trigger <NUM>, permitting the trigger to rotate and engaging the gutter cleaner <NUM>.

<FIG> includes a method <NUM> of using a gutter cleaner to clean a gutter. The method <NUM> includes a step <NUM> of positioning the gutter cleaner at an operable area relative to the gutter. The step <NUM> of positioning the gutter cleaner may involve raising the upper portion <NUM> of the gutter cleaner from a first vertical elevation to a second vertical above the first vertical elevation. In an embodiment, the second vertical elevation may correspond with a vertical elevation above the gutter, such as immediately above the gutter. The step <NUM> of positioning the gutter cleaner may further include contacting the inner and outer wheels <NUM> and <NUM> with the gutter and roof. The step <NUM> of positioning the gutter cleaner can additionally include aligning the gutter cleaner on the gutter such that a flange disposed on the at least one wheel of the at least one wheels interacts with the gutter and guides the gutter cleaner along the gutter. In certain instances, step <NUM> may be performed with the fan assembly <NUM> engaged. In this regard, at least some of the weight of the gutter cleaner <NUM> can be mitigated by the upward thrust generated by the fan assembly <NUM>.

The operator may adjust the length of the handle prior to positioning the gutter cleaner at step <NUM>. In an embodiment, the operator may adjust the angular position of one or more components, e.g., the fan assembly, of the gutter cleaner prior to positioning the gutter cleaner at step <NUM>. The angle of the one or more components may be determinable based on the available area to maneuver below the gutter and any obstacles or obstructions which may prevent the operator from accessing the gutter. In another embodiment, adjustment of the angular position of one or more components, e.g., the fan assembly, can occur in situ, i.e., after step <NUM>. For example, a component of the upper portion of the gutter cleaner, e.g., the at least one wheel, can self-align with respect to the gutter as the operator manipulates the gutter cleaner from below. By aligning the flange of the outer wheel, for instance, with the outer lip of the gutter and adjusting the handle, the operator can cause the upper portion of the gutter cleaner to seat appropriately relative to the gutter. The operator can adjust the angular orientation of the gutter cleaner as needed, e.g., as the operator moves the gutter cleaner down the length of the gutter.

The method <NUM> can further include a step <NUM> of moving the gutter cleaner along a length of the gutter. The gutter cleaner can include at least one wheel that rolls along the gutter and supports the gutter cleaner while being moved along the gutter.

The method <NUM> can further include an operator standing at a vertical elevation below the gutter during the step <NUM> of positioning the gutter cleaner and maintaining control over the gutter cleaner via the handle during the step <NUM> of moving the gutter cleaner along the length of the gutter. In certain instances, the operator can use a harness attached to the gutter cleaner to assist in maintaining control over the gutter cleaner.

The gutter cleaner can be engaged, i.e., powered on, and air biased from the fan assembly can pass through the grate and blow debris from the gutter. In certain instances, the operator may be able to adjust a variable speed of the fan assembly based on the amount and/or type of debris contained within the gutter. In other instances, the operator may be able to select only an on- and off-condition.

Gutter cleaners and methods associated therewith in accordance with embodiments described herein can prevent the need for people to climb ladders or stand on elevated surfaces to clean gutters. Through readily available in-situ adjustment or preliminary adjustment, the operator can dial in the gutter cleaner to their particular needs. Rolling engagement between the gutter cleaner and gutter and/or roof can prevent damage to the building while maintaining the gutter cleaner in proper alignment at all times. Moreover, the operator may be able to mitigate at last some weight of the gutter cleaner by resting it at least partially on the gutter and/or roof while moving along the length of the gutter.

Claim 1:
A gutter cleaner (<NUM>) comprising:
a fan assembly (<NUM>) configured to generate airflow to blow debris from a gutter;
a cage (<NUM>) at least partially disposed around the fan assembly (<NUM>) and configured to prevent ingress of clogging debris into the fan assembly (<NUM>); and
a wheel system (<NUM>) configured to roll along the gutter, wherein the wheel system (<NUM>) is non-powered,
the wheel system (<NUM>) comprising an inner wheel (<NUM>) and an outer wheel (<NUM>), the outer wheel (<NUM>) comprises a flange (<NUM>) configured to interact with the gutter and to guide the gutter cleaner (<NUM>) along the gutter, wherein the wheel system (<NUM>) is configured to at least partially support the gutter cleaner (<NUM>),
wherein
the fan assembly (<NUM>) is disposed between the inner wheel (<NUM>) and the outer wheel (<NUM>), wherein a diameter of the wheel system (<NUM>) is greater than a maximum dimension of the fan assembly (<NUM>).