CA2714167A1 - Rainwater gutter/eaves trough - rotating/tipping system - Google Patents

Abstract

A mechanism for rotating existing or new gutters, surrounding a roof perimeter, through 180 degrees for the dumping of debris and cleaning without the use of ladders or climbing on the roof. The gutter having a rear wall, front wall and a bottom wall, define a "U" shaped trough throughout its length and is closed at either end with press fit caps which are sealed with caulking after installation.

The mechanism consisting of:
a number of Hoops, with an axle bearing loop at their bottom and outward corner, surrounding the gutter, that are equally spaced along the gutter length and securely fastened to an axle;
a number of "L" shaped mounting brackets, with axle bearing loops on the end of the bottom leg, that are equally spaced along the length of the gutter and securely mounted to the building fascia;
an Axle, running horizontal, and parallel to the bottom front wall of the gutter, projecting through the loops on the hoops and "L", brackets thereby securely affixing the gutter horizontally to the building fascia while allowing the gutter and Hoops to rotate through 180 degrees;
a Downspout Adapter securely fastened to the fascia and downspout to receive water from the gutter while allowing the gutter to be rotated through 180 degrees;
inside and outside gutter comer Covers; and, a Lever mounted securely to the axle and having a loop formed on the outer end to accept a hooked pole to impart a rotating action to the axle, hoops and gutter, and/or a remotely operated means of dumping by rotation of the gutter using a pulley and cable system or an electric motor and gearbox.

Description

DESCRIPTION
Field of the Invention - The present invention relates to a rotating or tipping mechanism for a roof perimeter rain water gutter or eaves trough.

Background of the invention Gutters or eaves troughs have been installed on the lower edge of building roofs for hundreds of years. Their purpose is to collect rain water falling on the roof. They are sloped downwards to one end where a round or square opening is cut into the bottom of the gutter. A
short length of pipe with an upper flange and screen is inserted in the hole and protrudes downward to form a connection point for a vertical pipe called a downspout. The downspout directs the water to buried lateral pipes leading away from the building foundation to prevent structural damage. The problems with this system are, the inability to prevent the accumulation of debris that clogs the gutters, the constant cleaning requirements to keep water flowing, and the difficulty of maintaining (painting) of the fascia board behind the gutter.

Gutters are designed so the gutter back wall fits tightly against the fascia.
The roof covering (shingles, shakes, etc.) are installed with their lower edge extending 1 % ", measured horizontally, beyond the fascia. This prevents capillary action from drawing water up to the fascia and roof structure.
Excessive overhang contributes to wind damage of the roofing material.

The use of shields and screens for gutters or eaves troughs is well known in construction engineering and many patents have been issued for different types of shields and screens.
The purpose of the gutter shield or screen is essentially to permit passage of rain water from the roof to the gutter or eaves trough while protecting the same from extraneous foreign matter such as leaves, needles and other debris which lead to clogging.

Many of the patented devices incorporating shields or screens are highly effective in preventing the accumulation of vegetable matter but fail to prevent the build up of microscopic particulate carried on the wind or suspended in the run-off water. The particulate falls out of suspension and over time produces enough material for the growth of algae and moss in the gutter. The growth and or build up of soil in the bottom of the gutter, screen or downspouts results in clogging and an overflow of water that damages the structure and foundation. The only resolution to the problem is scheduled removal of the shields or screens and thorough manual cleaning. The cleaning in situ requires the use of ladders or walking on the roof with the inherent risk of damage to the roof and gutter or injuries to workers. In addition, the use of fixed gutters and screens or shields results in excessive labour for their complete removal when painting the fascia.

This invention relates to a rotating gutter system and, in particular, to a mechanism to overcome the hazardous and damaging manual removal of debris in the form of leaves, vegetable matter and fine soil particulate that clogs the gutters and downspouts. Without cleaning, the backup and overflow of water leads to structural damage when water is not diverted away from the walls and foundation. The accumulation of freezing water in the gutters due to debris, results in damage to the gutters and downspouts from expanding ice. The presence of ice or snow in the gutter can form an ice dam, thereby forcing melt water and ice to spread into the roof structure adjoining the gutter. Such a condition eventually causes leaking into the structure and resultant damage to walls, ceilings, floors, roof covering, sub sheathing, and structural members. The build up of ice and snow is also a potential danger to the passer-by due to the accumulation of a heavy unstable substance on the roof which, as it warms, falls to the ground. In addition, rotating the gutters 180 degrees allows for ease of repairs and painting of the fascia.

US patents, Number 4,837,987 and Number 5,146,718, have similar dumping characteristics however each has inherent problems overcome by this design.

In the first patent the hexagonal axle located at the upper outside edge of the gutter, has a "u"
shaped bracket surrounding the rear, front and bottom of the gutter and is mechanically locked to the axle. A separate inverted "L" shaped bracket is mounted on the fascia with an outward leg and eye that supports the axle. The gutter is dumped by rotating a wheel on the axle so the rear of the gutter, against the fascia, rotates down and outward to the inverted position.
No additional locking devices are evident, indicating that the axle is supporting the entire rotational load of the gutter and water. Using a standard 5" gutter as an example, the weight being carried equals the cross section area 18 square inches X 12" long = 216 cubic inches. This figure divided by 1728 cubic inches (cubic inches in a cubic foot) times 66 pounds (the weight of water per cubic foot) means that a 5" gutter carries 8.25 pounds per lineal foot or 330 pounds in a 40 foot gutter. The weight of 330 pounds is supported by the axle which must resist the rotation action via a pulley and chain or cable secured at a fixed point on the structure. Using a 6" pulley as an example, its radius is three inches therefore the effective lever arm must resist a rotational force of 1320 foot pounds. In the proposed design the "L"
brackets, spaced every 2 feet, support the load of only 16 pounds when full of water and no rotational force is exerted on the axle.

The second patent uses independent "L" hangers and an integrated wire surround without a common axle to impart rotation equally along the length of the gutter.
Rotating the gutter requires a pole and hook to tip the gutter forward and down. In this case the gutter, a very light material subject to deformation, is used as a structural member. When filled with excessive debris or minimal quantities of water, any attempt to rotate the gutter will result in the bending of the upper front edge and possibly the entire cross section. The rotation of the inside and outside corners of the gutter employs pipes and slots to transfer water from the corner units to the downspouts draining the main gutter. Sealing relies on some sort of rubber or plastic seal between the transfer pipe and a slot cut in the main gutter end cap and perfect alignment of all components.
Age related deterioration of the seals and inoperability due to freezing or snow build up are problematic. Using the proposed design, the gutter remains totally independent and the rotation is imparted equally along its entire length via the axle and hoops thus minimizing the distortion of the gutter's light material. Converting the inside and outside corner units from functional to decorative and adding rain diverter strips to the roof resolves the problem.

This invention allows for any cross section shape or size of gutter to be rotated for cleaning and/ or painting of the fascia. It can be installed on existing or new gutters without destroying the watertight construction of the gutter. No modifications to the structure are required.
All devices in the mechanism shall be coloured to match the existing or new gutters. The installation can be done by professional installers or the Do-it-yourself home handyperson using basic hand tools.

Summary of the invention It is the object of the present invention to provide a simple and economical method of rotating or tipping roof edge rain water gutters or eaves troughs thereby eliminating the need to climb a ladder or walk on the roof to remove dirt and debris from the said gutter. In addition it provides ready access to the fascia for repairs and painting.

In colder climates where snow and ice accumulation is common, the mechanism allows the gutter/eaves trough to remain inverted during freezing weather. This reduces the ice/snow build up along the roof edge that causes water damming and the hazard of falling ice or snow to those standing or walking below the roof edge.

The mechanism is comprised of six devices, namely Hoops, "L" Brackets, Axle, Lever, corner Covers and Downspout Adapter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus generally described the invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings illustrating an embodiment thereof, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the rotating/tipping - gutter/eaves trough mechanism with an outline of the gutter and roof structure;

Figure 2 is a perspective of the "L" Bracket used to support the Hoops, gutter and other devices in the mechanism;

Figure 3 is a perspective of the Hoop that surrounds a gutter to enable it to rotate;
Figure 4 is a perspective of the Axle and Lever that enables the rotating action;

Figure 5 is a perspective of the Downspout Adapter that receives water from the gutter via the downspout connector;

Figure 6 is a perspective of the "L" Brackets array and the Downspout Adapter mounted on the fascia of a roof structure;

Figure 7 is a perspective of the Hoops arrayed on the gutter at equal spacing;

Figure 8 is a perspective of five devices included in the mechanism without the structure, gutter corner Covers and gutter;

Figure 9 is a perspective of the tipping or rotating action of the mechanism and gutter through 180 degrees;

Figure 10 & 11 are simplified perspectives of the inside and outside corners of a continuous gutter system, such as found on a cottage roof, showing the separation of the gutter corners from the tipping or rotating gutter, the rainwater diverter strips and the corner Covers Figures 12 & 13 are simple perspectives showing the remote operation of the mechanism when the distance from the ground to a lever is too great for a pole and hook or when obstacles block access.
(PULLEY & ELECTRIC GEARED MOTOR ARE COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE) DECRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Figure 1 shows a roof structure 10 with the fascia 10A and a commercial gutter 20. Affixed to the fascia l0A with screws, are "L" Brackets 30. The outer end of the "L" Bracket 30 horizontal leg forms twin bearing loops of sufficient internal circumference to allow free rotational movement of Axle 50.
Firmly attached to Axle 50 are Hoops 40 with internal dimensions slightly larger than gutter 20 that they surround. This allows the Hoops 40 to slide over the gutter end caps, which are larger than the gutters outer dimensions (not shown), and gutter 20 prior to installation on the "L" Brackets 30. Lever 70 is solidly affixed to Axle 50. Rotation of Axle 50, Hoops 40, and gutter 20 is accomplished by rotating Lever 70 through 180 degrees. A Downspout Adapter 60 is installed with screws on the fascia and directly below, but not touching, the commercial downspout connecter /
screen 20A (Figure 8).
This allows the gutter 20 and downspout connecter / screen 20A to swing up and away from the Downspout Adapter 60.

Figure 2 is a perspective of "L" Bracket 30. The vertical leg 30B is mounted flat against the fascia 1 OA and fastened with screws through holes 30A. The height of the vertical leg 30B equals the height of the rear wall of the gutter 20. The horizontal bottom leg 30C is 90 degrees to the vertical leg 30B
with its end formed into twin loops 30E. The inside diameter of the loop 30D
is slightly larger than the outside diameter of Axle 50 to prevent binding due to misalignment of the "L"
Brackets 30 along the fascia 10A and a build up of dirt and corrosion on the bearing surface. The distance 30F from the face of vertical leg 30B to the face of loop 30E equals the gutter 20 width from rear to front wall plus sufficient clearance for rotation. The materials used, whether plastic, nylon or metal including the width and thickness, are determined by calculating the live and dead loads (material weight of the mechanism, water, ice, snow, wind, and debris), spacing, shear and bending moments. The rectangular cross section of the material shown on the drawing is not a limiting factor and may be changed by a qualified engineer providing the strength requirements are maintained.

Figure 3 is a perspective of the Hoop 40 with a rear vertical leg 40B parallel to the fascia. Extending outward at a 90 degree angle from the vertical leg 40B is a top leg 40A and a bottom leg 40C.
Connecting the bottom and top legs is a front leg 40D. The front leg 40D is shaped to conform to the front wall of the gutter 20 and includes a partial loop 40E to surround Axle 50. Partial loop 40E is drilled at 40G to secure the Hoop 40 to Axle 50. The inside dimensions 40H are slightly larger than the gutter end caps which are larger than the gutter 20 but are not shown on the drawings. The top of the front leg 40D is drilled at 40F for a screw or rivet to fasten the gutter front wall to the Hoop to prevent lateral movement of gutter 20 along the face of the fascia 1 OA. The materials, whether plastic, nylon or metal, and their dimensions are determined by calculating the live and dead loads (material weight of the mechanism, water, ice, snow, wind, and debris), spacing, shear and bending moments.
The rectangular cross section of the material shown on the drawing is not a limiting factor and may be changed by a qualified engineer providing the strength requirements are maintained.

Figure 4 is a perspective of Lever 70 and Axle 50. Axle 50 is a circular rod or pipe of sufficient size and strength to prevent deformation of the material when a turning action is applied. The strength calculation includes the Axle 50 length, live and dead load, and the torque required to turn same through 180 degrees. The axle thickness must be of sufficient strength and thickness to provide solid fastening (screw, rivet, or welding) of the Hoops 40 and resist the abrasion of the "L" Bracket bearing loops 30. The Lever 70 has a lever length 70A long enough for the average person to exert a reasonable force to rotate the load placed on the Hoops and gutter. A loop is formed on one end 70C to surround the Axle 50 and is drilled 70D for a screw or rivet to securely fasten Lever 70 to Axle 50. A
loop is formed on the opposite end of Lever 70 to accept a hooked pole to activate the Lever 70 from the ground. Remote rotation of the Axle 50 is shown in Figures 11 and 12.

Figure 5 is a perspective of the Downspout Adapter 60 constructed of ultraviolet ray resistant plastic or light weight metal. The Downspout Adapter 60 is placed below but not touching the downspout connecter/screen 20A (Figure 8). The receiver 60A is a square or round box designed to receive water from the commercially available downspout connector 20A (Figure 8). The rear wall 60C extends vertically above the upper edge of the box, and is drilled 60D for screw attachment to fascia 10A. The Downspout Adapter 60 has a round or rectangular pipe 60B, extending from the bottom, of sufficient size to provide a friction fit inside of a commercial downspout. The length, width, and depth of the Downspout Adapter 60 box is determined by; the gutter bottom, front wall to back wall width; the length of the downspout connector 20A pipe extending downwards into the box;
the swing clearance of downspout connector 20A as it is rotated up and outwards through 180 degrees; and the type/size of the downspout pipes.

Figure 6 is a perspective of the "L" Brackets 30 and the Downspout Adapter 60 mounted on fascia 10A. The distance between the "L" Brackets is determined by the load being carried and the type of gutter.

Figure 7 is a perspective of the gutter 20 with the Hoops 40 slid over the gutter. The Hoops 40 are spaced to fit between the twin loops of the "L" Brackets 30 prior to fastening the hoop to the axle.
Figure 8 is a perspective of the commercially available downspout connector 20A and all parts, except corner Covers, included in the proposed patent. They include "L"
Brackets 30, Hoops 40, Axle 50, Downspout Adapter 60, and Lever 70.

Figure 9 is a perspective showing three positions 90A, 90B, and 90C, of gutter 20 and the patent mechanism as it rotates through 180 degrees.

Figure 10 is a perspective of a solution to the problem of rotation when continuous gutters 20 wrap around outside 20B and inside 20C corners such as typically found on cottage roofs. The inside and outside 90 degree corners are normally manufactured as a single unit with gutter connection points on each end. Disconnecting or cutting the corner unit allows rotation of the main straight run gutter. The main gutter 20 and the corner gutters 20B and 20C are end capped and sealed.
The corner gutters 20B
and 20C are covered at 100A & 100B to prevent the ingress of water and maintain the architectural appearance of continuous gutters. Water destined for the corner gutters 20B
and 20C is diverted to the rotating gutter 20 by using right angle flashing 100A sealed to the roof.

Figure 11 is a second view of Figure 10 showing the corner cover caps 100A
&100B prior to placing and sealing to the inside 20C and outside 20B corner gutters.

Figure 12 is a perspective showing remote rotation of Axle 50 when the distance to Lever 70 (not shown) makes its use impractical. The pulley 1 l0A (commercially available) replaces the Lever 70 and is locked to the Axle 50. Cables 11OB are secured to the midpoint in the groove of the pulley 110A and led around each side to allow rotation of the pulley 110A and Axle 50 through 180 degrees.
The cables 11 OB are then led horizontally through guides 11 OC mounted on the underside of the fascia and soffit (the soffit is the underside of the roof structure between the bottom of the fascia and the structure's vertical wall), to guides 110D mounted on the vertical wall and then downwards to a convenient termination point.

Figure 13 is a perspective showing a second method of remote rotation of Axle 50 when the distance to Lever 70 makes its use impractical. A low voltage direct current motor and gear box 120 (commercially available) are mounted on the bottom of the fascia 10A or soffit (the soffit is the underside of the roof structure between the bottom of the fascia and the structures vertical wall) and connected to Axle 50. Power is delivered to the motor through cables from a transformer. Activation is accomplished via a push button or battery operated remote controller.
Operation of the motor and gearbox rotates the Axle, Hoops and gutter through 180 degrees.

Having thus described the preferred embodiment of the invention it should be understood that numerous structural modifications and adaptations may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention.

--------------------------Fred Albert Neveaux 27 August 2010

Claims (7)

1. Claim 1 - A mechanism consisting of Hoops, "L" Brackets, Axle, Lever, inside and outside gutter corner Covers and Downspout Adapter attached to a gutter and the fascia of a roof structure.
When operated via the Lever, the mechanism rotates the gutter slightly upwards and fully outward through 180 degrees while the inside and outside gutter corners remain stationary. The Hoops and "L"
Brackets are equally spaced along the horizontal length of the gutter. The Hoops are securely fastened to an axle and the "L" Brackets are securely fastened to the fascia. The axle is free to rotate in the loops of the "L" brackets.

2. Claim 2 - The Hoop device of claim 1 has a cross section similar to that of the gutter and has a slightly larger inner size than the external dimensions of the gutter end caps and gutter so as to slide over the gutter during installation. it is formed with a semicircular extrusion on the outward lower corner to confine an axle between the extrusion and gutter. The extrusion is drilled to accept a screw or rivet to secure the Hoop to the Axle. The Hoop must have sufficient horizontal width and thickness to prevent bending or twisting when the Axle rotates the Hoop and gutter.

3. Claim 3 - The "L" Bracket device of claim 1 has a vertical leg drilled and counter sunk for screw fastening to the building fascia and a horizontal leg terminating in twin loops of sufficient size to accept an Axle. The strength to resist bending is determined by the live and dead loads (gutter weight, snow, water, ice, wind and debris) exerting a downward force which in turn determines the type of material, horizontal width, and thickness of the "L" Bracket.

4. Claim 4 - The Axle device of claim 1 is a circular rod or pipe of sufficient size and strength to prevent deformation of the material when a turning action is applied. Designed in various lengths with mechanical connectors at each end to maintain rigidity, the combination of various lengths allows for easy installation. The strength calculation includes the live and dead load and the torque required to turn same. The Axle thickness must include sufficient strength to provide solid fastening (screw, rivet, or welding) of the Hoops in Claim 2 and resist the abrasion of the "L" Bracket bearing loops in claim 3.

5. Claim 5 - The Downspout Adapter device of claim 1 is a square or circular box with a pipe attached to the bottom and a back wall extending vertically that is drilled and countersunk to accept screws for fastening the adapter to the fascia. The box is of sufficient size to allow a one piece commercial screen/downspout connector, installed in the gutter, to fit inside without restriction. The pipe extending from the bottom of the box is sized and shaped for a friction fit into the building downspout.

6. Claim 6 - Inside and outside gutter corner covers sealed to the gutter corners and ends caps.

7. Claim 7 - The Lever device of claim 1 is a bar with an axle loop on one end that is drilled to accept a rivet or screw for secure fastening to the axle in claim 4. The opposite end of the bar has a loop of sufficient size to accept a hook on a pole to operate the lever. The lever strength depends on the amount of torque required to turn the axle and lever arm length