GB2488434A

GB2488434A - Gutter debris guard to protect from accumulation of debris in a gutter

Info

Publication number: GB2488434A
Application number: GB1203232.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas Haas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-02-24
Filing date: 2012-02-24
Publication date: 2012-08-29
Also published as: GB201203232D0; GB201103215D0

Abstract

The debris guard 10 comprises a first section 12 including a back plate for attachment to a fascia or wall and a second section including a cover portion 14 for covering the roof gutter channel. The first and second sections are releasably or reversibly attachable to each other. Preferably the two sections are slidable relative to each other. The second section can be secured to the first section by way of a latching member which has a wedge shaped end portion that is located within a longitudinal channel within the first section in use. The channel may be formed from a flexible material that allows the wedge shaped portion to be inserted by expanding and then closing. The cover portion may also include means for directing water towards a gutter by including a C or U shaped run off portion.

Description

GUTTER DEBRIS GUARD

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a gutter debris guard and, in particular, to a gutter debris guard that can be retrofitted to gutters or gutter assemblies, typically being fixed to a fascia board or the like.

Background of the Invention

Gutters have been used for a number of years to collect rainwater from buildings, in particular from buildings having pitched roofs. Roof rainwater gutters of this type are typically open troughs, and are often generally U-shaped channels, and are arranged along the roofline of the building with the open section of the trough facing upwards, so that rain that runs off the roof is collected in the gutter. Gutters of this type are typically arranged along a fascia board, and are often attached thereto by way of brackets, the brackets being fixed to the fascia board by fixings such as screws.

The gutters are generally angled towards a down pipe, which allows water gathered in the gutter to drain to a ground level, or below ground, drainage system.

Rain gutters of the type described above are prone to collecting solid debris such as leaves and other waste items that are typically blown in the wind. This solid debris accumulates inside the channel of the gutter over time, creating a blockage or at least preventing the effective flow of water from the roof to the downpipe, and ultimately to the drainage system. This can have several undesirable consequences such as an overflowing gutter, a blocked downpipe or blocked drainage system (causing more overflow). A further potential consequence is the backing-up of rainwater, which can penetrate the fabric of the roof or building by, for example, ingress underneath the roof covering (for examples, roof tiles or slates).

To restore a gutter as described above to its full function it is normally necessary to remove by hand any debris in the channel of the gutter. This process involves working at height (normally on a ladder) and using a hand or a suitable small scoop-type instrument (such as a small trowel) to scoop the debris from the channel of the gutter. Not only is this a rather unpleasant, time-consuming and tedious task, but it is also quite dangerous as it is normally carried out at height, often by people unaccustomed to such working conditions. In particular, it is often carried out using a ladder, and typically involves an individual reaching out-with the safe working area of the ladder. Furthermore, the individual must deposit the removed debris somewhere, which normally involves either the use of a bucket or the like (exacerbating the danger of working at height) or throwing the debris onto the ground. The latter of these increases the risk to the individual carrying out the task as it requires them to shift their weight whilst working on a ladder, and presents a risk to anyone on the ground and in the vicinity of the work being carried out. It also requires the individual to clear the debris from the ground after they have finished clearing the gutter. Therefore, gutter clearing is a task which is often left unaddressed, which can lead to the consequences as outlined above.

In addition to the above, in some instances, it may also be necessary to clear the down pipe and/or the drainage system of accumulated debris.

Performing a clearing task of this nature is not particularly straight-forward, and often necessitates appointing a skilled and experienced person having specialist skills and specialist tools and equipment. In some instances, it may be necessary to completely renew portions of the down pipe or drainage system. This, of course, greatly increases the cost and inconvenience to the owner of the building or the person responsible therefor.

A number of gutter assemblies have been proposed in an effort to mitigate the accumulation of debris. For example, the gutter opening can be covered by a screen or mesh material which has a plurality of orifices that enable passage of rainwater, but are sized to prevent debris from entering the gutter channel. The screen or mesh material is often placed horizontally, or at a slight angle, over the gutter opening. This positioning combined with the rough surface of the mesh or screen material, means that leaves and debris have a tendency to become stuck on top of the mesh or screen material. Therefore, the screen or mesh material becomes blocked, with consequences similar to those outlined above for a blocked gutter. This is sometimes exacerbated by the stems of the leaves becoming stuck in the mesh or screen opening, creating a further abutment for additional debris to gather against, and acting to prevent the debris from becoming dislodged from the mesh or screen by the wind and rain.

An alternative gutter assembly that is currently used, particularly in the United States, includes a cover that fits between a roofline and a gutter assembly, such as is illustrated in US 7,117,643. However, because this assembly attaches to the fascia in very close proximity to the roofline, it is very difficult to retrofit. Indeed, in some cases (particularly for UK style rooflines and gutters) it can be impossible to fit or retrofit such an assembly, as the building design does not allow sufficient space between the roofline and the gutter. Thus, such assemblies are unsuitable for use with many buildings, particularly those as are typically found in the United Kingdom.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to obviate, or at least mitigate, at least some of the drawbacks associated with the prior art.

Further aims and objects of the invention will become apparent from a

reading of the following description.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a gutter debris guard for use with a roof gutter, said gutter debris guard comprising a first section and a second section, said first section comprising a back-plate for attachment to a fascia or the like, and said second section comprising a cover portion for covering a roof gutter channel or the like, wherein the first and second sections are configured to be reversibly attachable to each other.

The first and second sections may be configured to be slidably engageable with each other. Typically the first and second sections are configured to be longitudinally slidable relative to each other.

The second section may further comprise a latching member. Typically the latching member is located towards one end of the cover portion and is substantially perpendicular thereto.

It will be appreciated that the latching member may be located such that the internal angle between the latching member and the cover portion is more or is less than 90°, for example for 75° to 1050, provided that when the second section engages with the first section, the cover portion is substantially horizontal or, preferably, angled at less than 90° to the vertical in a downwards manner. This ensures that in use debris and leaves are angled away from the building, and that water flows along the top of the cover section towards the gutter channel.

The latching member may comprise a substantially wedge-shaped portion.

The wedge-shaped potion may take the form of a right angled triangle, or similar.

Typically, the wedge-shaped portion is located towards the end of the latching member opposite to the cover portion.

The wedge-shaped portion may narrow towards one end where the latching member terminates.

The first section may further comprise a channel configured to receive the latching member of the second section. Typically the channel is a longitudinal channel.

The channel may be configured to engage the latching member.

The latching member is engaged, or interlocked, in the channel. When engaged in this way, the second section can be slid relative to the first section (which can be fixed to a fascia board or the like) along its length, but it cannot be pulled back out of the gap through which it was received.

The channel may comprise a longitudinal gap for receiving the latching member, said gap having a width which is less than the widest part of the width of the channel.

The gap may have a width which is less than the widest part of the width of the latching member, typically a wedge-shaped portion thereof.

The channel may be formed by the back-plate on one side, and by a return member on the other side. Typically the return member has a base portion and a side portion, so-forming a channel in combination with the back-plate.

The base portion may be attached towards the bottom of the back-plate and may be angled upwards therefrom to form a substantially wedge-shaped channel.

The side portion may be attached to the base portion, and may be offset towards the back-plate so-forming an abutment configured to engage the latching member.

The side portion may terminate to form a gap between said back-plate and said side portion. Typically, the so-formed gap has a width which is less than the widest part of the width of the channel.

The back-plate of the first section may be configured to receive at least a portion of the second section.

The back-plate may comprise a longitudinal notched section extending along the length thereof, and may be configured to receive at least a portion of the second section.

The longitudinal notched section may be located towards one end of the back-plate.

The longitudinal notched section may be located towards the end of the back-plate opposite to the channel.

The second section may further comprise an abutment member, configured to abut the back-plate of the first section.

The abutment member may be configured to abut the longitudinal notched section.

The abutment member may be offset with respect to the latching member, extending beyond it.

This feature angles the cover portion downwards, and therefore ensures that water flows along the surface of the cover section towards a gutter channel.

The second section may comprise a runoff portion configured to direct liquid along the surface thereof.

Typically the runoff portion is configured to direct liquid towards a gutter channel.

The runoff portion may be located at an end of the cover portion opposite to the latching member.

The runoff portion may comprise a substantially C-shaped or U-shaped bend. The runoff portion may comprise an extended straight section located at an end of the C-shaped or U-shaped bend.

The extended straight section may be substantially parallel to the cover portion. Alternatively, the extended straight section is angled away from the cover section by between about 5° and about 30°.

At least one of the first section and second section may comprise an elastically deformable material or a resilient material. Typically, at least one of the channel and the latching member comprises an elastically deformable material or a resilient material.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a gutter debris guard assembly comprising a rainwater gutter and a gutter debris guard as described in the first aspect.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of mitigating the collection of debris in a rainwater gutter, said method comprising the step of installing or retrofitting the gutter debris guard as described in the first aspect.

The present invention can be retrofitted to existing gutters, in particular those of the style found in the United Kingdom. The first section can be simply fixed to a fascia board or the like using screws (for example). The second section can then be pushed into place using the latching member and receiving channel, thus engaging the first and second sections. If necessary, the second section can be slid into the correct position. This engagement is reversible, and the second section can be slid out of the first section, by moving the second section longitudinally (i.e., by sliding it along the length of the channel).

Therefore, the present invention provides a gutter debris guard that can be easily and reversibly retrofitted to a variety of gutter shapes and roof types.

Brief Description of the Drawings

There will now be described, by way of example only, embodiments of the invention with reference to the following Figures, of which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a gutter debris guard prior to fitting in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a side elevation of a gutter debris guard as fitted to a house in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and Figure 3 shows a side elevation of a gutter debris guard post-manufacture in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Referring now to Figure 1, generally depicted at 10 is a gutter debris guard having a first section 12, which attaches to a fascia board or the like (not shown), and second section 14, which covers a gutter (not shown). The first section 12 includes a back-plate 16 for attachment to a fascia board or the like and a longitudinal channel 18. The longitudinal channel 18 is formed by the back-plate 16 on one side and a combination of an angled base portion 20 and a side portion 22, which together form a return member on the other side. As can be seen, the base portion 20 is attached towards the bottom of the back-plate 16, and is angled upwards therefrom to form a substantially wedge-shaped channel 18. The side portion 22 is attached to the base portion 20 and is offset towards the back-plate 16 to form an abutment 24.

Still referring to Figure 1, the side portion of 22 of the first section 12 terminates or returns to form a longitudinal gap 26 between the back-plate 16 and the side portion 22, the width of which is less than the widest part of the width of the longitudinal channel 18. The side portion 22 also has an angled section 25 that is connected to the abutment 24 and that increases in distance from the back-plate 16 to form a triangular gap between the back-plate 16 and the angled section 25. The triangular gap is similar in shape to the longitudinal channel 18.

Once more referring to Figure 1, the second section 14 includes a cover portion 28 for covering a roof gutter channel or the like (not shown). The second section 14 also includes a latching member 30, which is located towards one end of the cover portion 28 and is substantially perpendicular thereto. The latching member 30 includes a substantially wedge-shaped portion 32, which is located towards the end of the latching member 30 opposite to the cover portion 28. The wedge-shaped portion 32 narrows towards one end 34, where the latching member 30 terminates.

Still referring to Figure 1, the second section 14 also includes a substantially C-shaped (or U-shaped) runoff portion 36 located at the end of the cover portion 28 opposite the latching member 30. The runoff portion 36 is configured to direct liquid (in particular rainwater) along the surface thereof, typically towards a gutter channel (not shown). The runoff portion 36 includes an extended straight section 38 located at the end of the C-shaped (or U-shaped) bend. The extended straight portion 38 is generally angled to direct rainwater towards a gutter channel, and may be substantially parallel to the cover portion 36, or angled away from the cover portion by between about 5° and 30°.

The longitudinal channel 18 is configured to receive and engage the latching member 30, and in particular the widest part 52 of the width of the wedge-shaped section 32 of the latching member 30. The longitudinal gap 26 is also configured to receive the latching member 30, and in particular the triangular gap formed between the back-plate 16 and the angled section 25 is shaped to facilitate entry into the longitudinal channel 18. The longitudinal gap 26 has a width which is less than the widest part of the width of the latching member 30, and in particular the widest part 52 of the width of the wedge-shaped section 32 of the latching member 30.

The latching member and channel arrangement enables the first and second sections to be reversibly attachable insofar as the first and second sections can be: (i) connected by pushing the latching member into the channel through the channel gap (through which it cannot be removed); and (ii) disconnected by sliding the first and second sections in opposite directions in a longitudinal fashion. Thus the first and second sections are slidably engageable, and can be slid longitudinally relative to each other.

In use, the first section will be attached to a fascia board or the like, and therefore the second section will be moveable.

In use, the latching member 30 is pushed into the longitudinal channel 18 via the gap 26 forcing the gap 26 to momentarily expand thus enabling the latching member 30 to engage with the abutment section 24. Once engaged, the abutment section 24 prevents the latching member 30 from exiting the channel 18 via the gap 26. Thus the abutment 24 is configured to engage the latching member 30. Specifically, the abutment 24, engages the widest part 52 of the width of the wedge-shaped section 32 of the latching member 30.

As the wedge-shaped section of the latching member engages (or interlocks) with the abutment of the channel, it cannot be removed through the channel gap. Rather, it must be slid out of the channel in a longitudinal fashion.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is illustrated in use a gutter debris guard having a first section 12 attached to a fascia board 40, and a second section 14 engaged with the first section 12. The gutter debris guard 10 is spaced from gutter 42, which is held in place by conventional brackets 44.

The gutter debris guard 10 will catch any debris falling from roof 46 and will prevent it from entering the gutter channel 48 of gutter 42. However, the gutter debris guard 10 will direct water into the gutter channel 48 of gutter 42.

Referring now to Figure 3, there is illustrated a gutter debris guard 10 post-manufacture by extrusion using PVC and conventional extrusion techniques well known in the art. The gutter debris guard 10 has a first section 12 and a second section 14 attached by frangible portion 50, which can be broken to provide two separate sections. Thus, the gutter debris guard can be made using only one extrusion process, which greatly decreases the cost and complexity of manufacture.

In one embodiment, one long first section is used to attach to a fascia (for example). In an alternative embodiment several smaller first sections are used to attach to a fascia (for example).

In one embodiment, the second section comprises an abutment member which is offset with respect to the latching member, extending beyond it.

The abutment member can optionally be configured to abut the back-plate of the first section and in particular a longitudinal notch therein.

In one embodiment, the back-plate of the first section comprises a longitudinal notched section extending along the length thereof, and located towards one end of the back-plate. Typically the notch is located towards the end of the back-plate opposite to the channel. Thus the back-plate of the first section may be configured to receive at least a portion of the second section.

The gutter debris guard as described herein is manufactured using conventional extrusion techniques as are well known in the art, and in particular as are used in the manufacture of gutters and associated fitments.

The gutter debris guard as described herein is suitably manufactured from an elastically deformable and/or a resilient material such as, for example, PVC or U PVC. Other materials that are typically used to make gutters are also suitable provided they are used of a grade and thickness which allows them to be elastically deformable and/or resilient.

The gutter debris guard of the present invention can be included along with a gutter and/or other fitments to provide an assembly.

Also, the gutter debris guard of the present invention can be used in a method of mitigating the collection of debris in a rainwater gutter wherein the gutter debris guard is installed with a new gutter or retrofitted to an existing gutter.

As noted above, the present invention can be retrofitted to existing gutters, in particular those of the style often found in the United Kingdom. The first section can be simply fixed to a fascia board or the like using screws (for example). The second section can then be pushed into place using the latching member and receiving channel, thus engaging the first and second sections. If necessary, the second section can be slid into the correct position. This engagement is reversible, and the second section can be slid out of the first section, by moving the second section longitudinally (i.e., by sliding it along the length of the channel).

While this invention has been described with reference to the sample embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that modifications can be made to the structure and elements of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as a whole.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A gutter debris guard for use with a roof gutter, said gutter debris guard comprising a first section and a second section, said first section comprising a back-plate for attachment to a fascia or the like, and said second section comprising a cover portion for covering a roof gutter channel or the like, wherein the first and second sections are configured to be reversibly attachable to each other.
2. A guard as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second sections are configured to be slidably engageable with each other.
3. A guard as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first and second sections are configured to be longitudinally slidable relative to each other.
4. A guard as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second section further comprises a latching member.
5. A guard as claimed in claim 4, wherein the latching member is located towards one end of the cover portion and is substantially perpendicular thereto.
6. A guard as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the latching member comprises a substantially wedge-shaped portion.
7. A guard as claimed in claim 6, wherein the wedge-shaped portion is located towards the end of the latching member opposite to the cover portion.
8. A guard as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the wedge-shaped portion narrows towards one end where the latching member terminates.
9. A guard as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the first section further comprises a channel configured to receive the latching member of the second section.
10. A guard as claimed in claim 9, wherein the channel is a longitudinal channel.
11. A guard as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the channel is configured to engage the latching member.
12. A guard as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the channel comprises a longitudinal gap for receiving the latching member, said gap having a width which is less than the widest part of the width of the channel.
13. A guard as claimed in claim 12, wherein the gap has a width which is less than the widest part of the width of the latching member, typically a wedge-shaped portion thereof.
14. A guard as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the channel is formed by the back-plate on one side, and by a return member on the other side.
15. A guard as claimed in claim 14, wherein the return member has a base portion and a side portion, so-forming a channel in combination with the back-plate.
16. A guard as claimed in claim 15, wherein the base portion is attached towards the bottom of the back-plate and is angled upwards therefrom to form a substantially wedge-shaped channel.
17. A guard as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the side portion is attached to the base portion, and is offset towards the back-plate so-forming an abutment configured to engage the latching member.
18. A guard as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the side portion terminates or returns to form a gap between said back-plate and said side portion.
19. A guard as claimed in claim 18, wherein the so-formed gap has a width which is less than the widest part of the width of the channel.
20. A guard as claimed in 18 or claim 19, wherein the gap has a width which is less than the widest part of the width of the latching member, typically a wedge-shaped portion thereof.
21. A guard as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the back-plate of the first section is configured to receive at least a portion of the second section.
22. A guard as claimed in claim 21, wherein the back-plate comprises a longitudinal notched section extending along the length thereof, and configured to receive at least a portion of the second section.
23. A guard as claimed in claim 22, wherein the longitudinal notched section is located towards one end of the back-plate.
24. A guard as claimed in claim 23, wherein the longitudinal notched section is located towards the end of the back-plate opposite to the channel.
25. A guard as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second section further comprises an abutment member, configured to abut the back-plate of the first section.
26. A guard as claimed in claim 25, wherein the abutment member is configured to abut the longitudinal notched section.
27. A guard as claimed in claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the abutment member is offset with respect to the latching member, extending beyond it.
28. A guard as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second section further comprises a runoff portion configured to direct liquid along the surface thereof.
29. A guard as claimed in claim 28, wherein the runoff portion is configured to direct liquid towards a gutter channel.
30. A guard as claimed in claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the runoff portion is located at an end of the cover portion opposite to the latching member.
31. A guard as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the runoff portion comprises a substantially C-shaped or U-shaped bend.
32. A guard as claimed in claim 31, wherein the runoff portion comprises an extended straight section located at an end of the C-shaped or U-shaped bend.
33. A guard as claimed in claim 32, wherein the extended straight section is substantially parallel to the cover portion.
34. A guard as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 33, wherein the extended straight section is angled away from the cover section by between about 5° and about 30°.
35. A guard as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first section and second section comprises an elastically deformable material or a resilient material.
36. A guard as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 35, wherein at least one of the channel and the latching member comprises an elastically deformable material or a resilient material.
37. A gutter debris guard assembly comprising a rainwater gutter and a gutter debris guard as described in any one of claims I to 36.
38. A method of mitigating the collection of debris in a rainwater gutter, said method comprising the step of installing or retrofitting the gutter debris guard as described in any one of claim 1 to 36.