MX2007001573A

MX2007001573A - Gutter guard and decor support arrangement.

Info

Publication number: MX2007001573A
Application number: MX2007001573A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Trevor Jackson; Harry Klaus; Patrick Coyne; Robert Kostial
Original assignee: Emerald Innovations L L C
Priority date: 2006-02-03
Filing date: 2007-02-06
Publication date: 2008-11-20
Also published as: US20070204521A1; CA2577625A1

Abstract

A gutter guard arrangement is provided that functions to keep debris from entering and clogging a rain gutter. The arrangement may include a cover for keeping debris out of the gutter and a bracket that positions the cover over the gutter. The bracket may include a bracket securing portion that attaches to the gutter for securing the bracket to the gutter, a cover securing portion that attaches to the cover to secure the cover to the bracket and a décor mounting portion disposed on the bracket for mounting decorative décor on the bracket.

Description

CHANNEL GUARD ASSEMBLY AND DECORATED SUPPORT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Roof gutters are commonly mounted on buildings or structures to collect rainwater that runs from the roof and divert water away from the building. The leaves and debris from the surrounding environment can accumulate in the gutters and cause a seal that can prevent the gutters from diverting the water. Therefore, to keep the gutters clear and working properly, it is desirable to prevent leaves and debris from entering the gutters. It is also common to mount a decorative ornament, such as illuminated displays, on the front facade of buildings and structures. The present invention generally relates to a gutter protection arrangement that can function to prevent debris from entering and clogging a roof gutter and, in some embodiments, can also function to mount or support a decorative ornament. Thus, the arrangement described in the present application, in certain embodiments, prevents waste from accumulating in a roof gutter system while also providing one or more assemblies for decorative trim. In one embodiment, the gutter protection arrangement includes a cover to keep waste out of the gutter and a clamp that places the cover over the gutter. The clamp includes a clamp safety portion that attaches to the gutter to secure the clamp to the gutter, a cover safety portion that attaches to the cover to secure the cover to the clamp, and an appliqué mounting portion disposed thereon. Clamp to mount the decorative ornament on the clamp. In some embodiments, the trim assembly portion removably attaches to the clamp. In another embodiment, the appliqué mounting portion is integrally formed with the clamp. Additional aspects and concepts will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following description and appended claims along with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the attached drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, embodiments of the invention are illustrated, which, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description given further below, serve to exemplify the embodiments of the invention. FIGURE 1 illustrates a simplified side view of one embodiment of a gutter protection arrangement as described in the present application; FIGURE 2 illustrates a perspective view partial of a second embodiment of a gutter protection arrangement as described in the present application; FIGURE 3 is a side view of the arrangement of FIGURE 2; FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a clamp for the arrangement of the FIGURE 2; and FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an ornament mounting fastener for the arrangement of FIGURE 2. The present application is broadly directed to a gutter protection arrangement that can function to prevent debris from entering and sealing. a roof gutter and, in some embodiments, may also function to mount or support a decorative ornament. Although various aspects, concepts and inventive features of the invention can be described and illustrated herein as incorporated in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and features can be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein, all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present inventions. Even more, although various alternative modalities in terms of various aspects, concepts and characteristics of the inventions - such as materials, structures, configurations, methods, devices and alternative components different in form; adjustment and function, etc. - can be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of alternative modalities available, whether currently known or further developed. Those skilled in the art can easily adopt one or more aspects, concepts or inventive features, in additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present inventions even if such modalities are not expressly described herein. Additionally, although some characteristics, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, such a description is not intended to suggest that such a feature is required or necessary unless expressly indicated. Still further, exemplary or representative values and ranges may be included to assist in the understanding of the present disclosure; however, such values and intervals should not be interpreted in a limiting sense and are not intended to be critical values or intervals only if expressly indicated. In addition, although several aspects, characteristics and concepts can expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but instead, there may be aspects, concepts and inventive features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as a part thereof. of a specific invention, the inventions, on the other hand, are set forth in the appended claims. Descriptions of exemplary methods and processes are not limited to the inclusion of all stages as is required in all cases, nor is the order in which the stages are presented to be interpreted as required or necessary unless expressly indicate Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of a gutter protection arrangement 100 as described in the application. The arrangement 100 includes a cover 102. The cover 102 can be configured in a variety of ways. Any structure capable of allowing water to enter a gutter 104 while preventing larger particles, such as debris and leaves, from entering the gutter can be used. In this way, the cover 102 is disposed over the gutter 104 and is supported by one or more clamps 106. One or more clamps 106 can be configured in a variety of ways. Any structure capable of securely joining the gutter 104 can be used, keeping the cover 102 in a appropriate position in relation to the gutter, and, in some embodiments, provide or allow assembly portions for decorative ornaments. The clamp 106 can be configured to be arranged through the gutter 104 to hold the cover over the gutter. The clamp 106 includes one or more safety portions 110 of the clamp to secure the clamp to the gutter. The safety portion 110 of the clamp can be made as a fastener or fastening device that holds the clamp 106 to the gutter 104. However, the safety portions 110 of the clamp can be configured in a variety of ways to secure the clamp 106 to the clamp 106. gutter 104 in any suitable manner, such as, but not limited to, pins, adhesives, friction fit or interference. Clamp 106 also includes one or more cover security portions 112. The cover security portions 112 can be configured in a variety of ways. Any structure capable of securing or maintaining the cover 102 in the bracket 106 can be used. The cover security portions 112 can be, for example, but not limited to, configured as fasteners, lugs, pins, or fasteners that hold the edge of the cover. one of the cover 102 against the bracket 106, or projections that can be inserted through the cover 102 and resist being removed. The clamp 106 can also include separate cover security portions of different configurations, which work together to secure the cover 102 to the clamp. The clamp 106 also includes a trim assembly portion 108. The trim assembly portion 108 can be configured in a variety of ways. Any structure capable of supporting an ornament or supporting an additional structure that supports the ornament may be used. For example, the appliqué mounting portion 108 may be, but is not limited to, a hook, a fastener, a fastener, a lug, or an interconnection, such as an opening, that supports a hook, a fastener, or other fastening device. mounting. The bracket 106 may include one or more trim assembly portions 108 that may include one or more different configurations for mounting the trim. In addition, the appliqué mounting portion 108 can be formed integrally with the bracket or as a separate part or assembly that attaches to the bracket. Figures 2-3 illustrate a second embodiment of the gutter protection arrangement as described in the application. The arrangement 200 includes a cover 202 that generally prevents debris from entering a roof gutter 204 and a bracket 206 adapted to attach it to the roof gutter 204 and to support the cover in position relative to the gutter. The roof gutters 204 are well known in the technique for installation on a building or other structure to collect rainwater that runs from the roof of the building. The gutters are generally formed as an elongated channel 208 having an upper aperture 210 and generally include a lower wall 212 connecting a front wall 214 extending upwardly to a rear wall 216 extending upward to define the channel. The front wall 214 terminates in a front flange portion 218 and the rear wall 216 terminates in a rear flange portion 220. The cover 202 can be configured in a variety of ways. Any structure capable of allowing water to enter the channel 208 while preventing larger particles, such as debris and leaves, from entering the gutter can be used. In the described embodiment, the cover 202 is a perforated, grated, or meshed material that functions as a screen. The perforations, openings or grooves 222 of the cover material can be in a standard or random orientation. The perforations, openings or slots 222 are dimensioned or oriented to block foreign materials, such as debris and sheets, while allowing passage of water within the gutter 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 202 includes a patterned sequence of perforations 222. of hexagon shape. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the cover 202 can contain perforations and / or slots of other shapes, dimensions, and number. The cover 22 may be formed as a single unitary piece of material or may include multiple pieces of material connected together, overlapped, or otherwise arranged. If the cover 202 is formed from multiple pieces of material, the particular lengths of the individual pieces may vary according to the particular application. In addition, multiple pieces of material can be uniform in length, or have variable lengths. The cover 202 may be formed from a variety of suitable materials, such as, but not limited to, plastic, aluminum, various metal alloys, and various polymers. The clamps 206 of the arrangement 200 can be configured in a variety of ways. Any structure capable of securely joining the gutter 204, holding the cover 202 in a suitable position in relation to the gutter, and, in some embodiments, providing or allowing embossing assembly portions 224, can be used. Therefore, various embodiments of the mounting brackets 206 may exist depending on the particular shape and size of the application of the particular gutter. The mounting brackets 206 can be formed from a single piece of material, or formed from multiple sections of united material. The mounting brackets 206 can be made from a variety of suitable materials. Non-limiting examples of possible materials for the mounting bracket 206 include plastic, aluminum, various metal alloys, and various polymers. Referring to Figure 4, in the embodiment shown, the clamp 206 has a generally elongated body 226 with a first end portion 228 and a second end portion 230. The elongated body 226 has a generally rectangular cross section and is of sufficient length to cover through the upper opening 210 of the gutter 204 and extend a distance beyond the rear flange 220 (see Figures 2 and 3). It should be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that certain embodiments of the arrangement 200 may have mounting brackets 206 that include elongated bodies of other shapes, widths, lengths, and sizes. Furthermore, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that certain embodiments of the mounting brackets need not include an elongate body covering the upper opening 210 of the gutter 204. The elongated body 226 includes two cover security assemblies 232 defined within or projected from the elongate body in positions along the length of the body. However, the elongated body 226 may have more or less than two deck security mounts in other modes. The cover security mounts 232 generally have a circular cross section with an enlarged top 234. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art, that the cover security assemblies may be other shapes and / or sizes, such as, but not limited to, triangular, rectangular, polygonal, oval, or other suitable shapes. In addition, in certain embodiments the clamp 206 may not include cover security assemblies. The first end portion 228 of the elongate body 226 includes a cover security lug 236. The cover security lug 236 has a first portion 238 extending generally perpendicular from the elongated body 226 and a second portion 240 extending from the first portion generally perpendicular to the elongated body 226. The first and second portions 238, 240 form a slot 242 for receiving the cover 202 to secure the cover to the first end portion 228. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art, that certain embodiments of the arrangement 200 may contain a cover security portion that operates and is configured differently from a lug. Non-limiting examples may include fasteners, fasteners, clips, or pins. In addition, certain modalities of disposition 200 may not Include a portion of cover security. The first end portion 228 also includes a clamp safety portion 244. The clamp security portion 244 can be configured in a variety of ways to secure the clamp to the gutter 204. In the embodiment shown, the clamp securing portion 244 includes an internal arm 246 and an external arm 248 cooperating to secure the clamp 244. clamp to the front flange 218 of the spout 204. Both, the inner arm 246 and the outer arm 248 generally extend perpendicular from the elongated body 226 in, generally, the same direction. The front flange 218 of the gutter 204 is received between the inner arm 246 and the outer arm 248 so that the inner arm 246 extends into the channel 208 along the inside of the front wall 214 of the gutter and the outer arm 248 is extends along the outside of the front wall of the gutter. In this position, the inner arm 246 and the outer arm 248 provide a clamping action on the front wall 214 and / or the front flange 218 of the gutter. To compensate for the shape of the front wall 214, the inner arm 246 and the outer arm 248 can be configured in a variety of ways. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, for example, the distal end 250 of the inner arm 246 is bent at an angle or curve toward the center of the channel 208 while the external arm 248 generally follows the contour of the front wall 214. However, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the inner arm 246 is illustrated as not bending at an angle or curved. In this way, the safety portion 244 of the clamp can be configured in any suitable manner to secure the clamp 206 to a specific gutter configuration. The outer arm 248 may also be adapted to include the trim assembly portion 224. The embossing portion 224, in the embodiment shown, is formed as part of the external arm 248. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the decorative mounting portion or portions can be configured in a variety of ways. Any structure capable of supporting an ornament or supporting a structure, component, or separate device supporting the ornament may be used, such as, for example, a fastener, a fastener, a hook, or other suitable structure. In the embodiment shown, the bracket 206 includes a first embellishment mounting portion 252 and a second embellishment mounting portion 254. The first embellishment mounting portion 252 includes an opening 256 for receiving an embellishment mounting fastener 260. The opening 256 is generally circular with a circular base 262 circumscribing the opening.

The decoration mounting fastener 260 can be any type of fastener that can be useful for installing and assembling an ornament. For example, appliqué mounting fasteners may be used to install and assemble illuminated displays, strings of lights, seasonal ornaments, party ornaments, signs, banners, or other decorations. Referring to Figure 5, in the embodiment shown, the appliqué mounting fastener 260 has a clamp-like structure that includes a base 264 and two arms 246, 248 extending from the base generally in the same direction. As is known in the art for the type of fastener illustrated in the embodiment shown, the arms 246, 248 can be moved to overlap and form a fastening or fastening structure by the elastic nature of the material used to form the arms, such as for example , but not limited to, plastic, aluminum, various metal alloys, and various polymers. The base 264 of the embellishment mounting fastener 260 includes a projection formed as two pieces. The projection 268 is adapted to fit under pressure within the aperture to removably attach to the bracket 206. The second embossment portion 254 is made as a hook integrally formed with the bracket 206. Thus, the portions 252 , 254 of trim assembly of the 200 layout can be integral with clamp 206 or separated and can be attached to the clamp. The hook 254 is formed with the open end 270 facing forward. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that certain embodiments of the present invention may contain a hook of other shapes, sizes, and orientations. In addition, it should also be apparent to one skilled in the art that certain embodiments of the present invention may not include a hook in the mounting bracket. Referring to Figure 3, when installed, the clamp 206 is placed in the gutter 204 so that the elongated body 226 covers the upper opening 210 of the gutter and the front flange 218 of the gutter is received between the inner arm 246 and the arm. 248 external. The inner arm 246 and the outer arm 248 are formed from an elastic material so that the arms will be stretched to receive the front flange 218 and by their resilient nature, will be fastened on the front flange 218 and / or front wall 214 for retaining the clamp on the gutter 204. In this position, the second end 230 of the clamp 206 extends past the rear flange 220 of the gutter 204. Because the gutter 204 is typically mounted to a building 272, adjacent to a roof 274 including shingles 276, second end 230 of clamp 206 may provide an additional means for secure the clamp 206 to the gutter. For example, in the embodiment shown, the second end 230 is flexible and is bent upwards to be received between the roof 274 and the tiles 276. In this way, the second end 230 is sandwiched between the roof 274 and the tiles 276 for provide a second clamp security portion. The cover 202 is placed on top of the clamp 206 so that the clamp supports the cover above the opening 210 of the upper part. The outer edge of the cover 202 is received in the slot 242 of the cover security lug 236. Each cover security assembly 232 is received within a bore 222 on the cover 202 (see Figure 2). The assemblies 232 are dimensioned so that the enlarged upper portion 234 on the assemblies acts to secure the cover to the clamp once the upper part is received through a perforation 222. Once installed, the arrangement 200 maintains the foreign materials outside the gutter while providing, simultaneously, a structure joining system for decorative ornaments. The user may mount decorative elements on the front of the gutter 204 including, but not limited to, illuminated displays, lighting strings, seasonal ornaments, festive ornaments, signs and banners.

The invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. Modifications and alterations will occur to others once they read and understand this specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations to the extent that they are within the scof the claims or their associated equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A gutter protection arrangement for use with a roof gutter mounted to a building structure, the roof gutter forms a channel, the arrangement is characterized in that it comprises: a cover for keeping waste out of the gutter; a clamp that places the cover over the gutter, the clamp comprises: a clamp safety portion that attaches to the gutter to secure the clamp to the gutter; a security portion of the cover that attaches to the cover to secure the cover to the clamp; an ornamental mounting portion disposed on the clamp for mounting the decorative ornament on the clamp.
2. The gutter protection arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the ornamental mounting portion comprises an integrally formed hook.
3. The gutter protection arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the ornamental mounting portion is removably attached to the clamp by the opening formed in the clamp.
4. The gutter protection arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the Adornment mounting portion further comprises an integrally formed hook.
5. The gutter protection arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamp further comprises an elongated body that covers the channel.
6. The gutter protection arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the structure of the building comprises a roof with joined tiles, and wherein the elongate body is partially received between the roof and the tiles.
The gutter protection arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the safety portion of the clamp comprises an internal arm received within the channel and an external arm positioned outside the gutter, the inner arm and the outer arm cooperate to hold onto the gutter.
The gutter protection arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the ornamental mounting portion is integrally formed on the outer arm.
The gutter protection arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the security portion of the cover comprises a cover security lug which forms a slot for receiving a cover. edge of the cover.
The gutter protection arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover comprises a plurality of perforations, and wherein the security portion of the cover comprises a security cover assembly that is received through a plurality of perforations. of perforations.
11. A gutter protection arrangement for mounting to a gutter having an upwardly extending front wall connected to a rear wall extending up a lower wall to define a channel with a top opening, the arrangement is characterized because it comprises: a cover to keep the waste out of the gutter; a mounting bracket having an elongate body extending through the upper opening, the mounting bracket comprising: a clamp safety portion for coupling the front flange of the gutter to secure the bracket to the gutter; one or more cover security portions for securing the cover to the bracket so that the bracket places the cover over the top opening, and a formed fitting mounting portion integrally with the mounting bracket.
The gutter protection arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that the ornamental mounting portion comprises a hook.
The gutter protection arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that the decorative mounting portion comprises an opening adapted to receive the removable adornment mounting device so that the decorative mounting device is removably attached. to the clamp.
14. The gutter protection arrangement according to claim 13, characterized in that the embellishment mounting portion further comprises an integrally formed hook.
The gutter protection arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that the gutter is mounted to a building structure having a roof with attached tiles, and wherein the elongated body is partially received between the roof and the tiles .
The gutter protection arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that the safety portion of the clamp comprises an internal arm received within the channel and an external arm positioned outside the gutter next to the front wall, the inner arm and the outer arm cooperate to hold onto the gutter.
17. The gutter protection arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that the ornamental mounting portion is integrally formed on the outer arm. The gutter protection arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that the security portion of the cover comprises a cover security lug which forms a slot for receiving an edge of the cover. The gutter protection arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that the cover comprises a plurality of perforations, and wherein the security portion of the cover comprises a security cover assembly that is received through a plurality of perforations. of perforations. 20. A gutter protection arrangement for use with a roof gutter mounted to a building structure, the roof gutter forms a channel, the arrangement is characterized in that it comprises: a cover for keeping waste out of the gutter; a mounting bracket for positioning the cover over the channel, the mounting bracket comprising: means for securing the bracket to the gutter; a means to secure the cover to the clamp; a means to mount the ornament to the clamp; The gutter protection arrangement according to claim 20, characterized in that the means for securing the clamp to the gutter comprises a fastening means. 22. The gutter protection arrangement according to claim 20, characterized in that the means for mounting the ornament on the clamp is formed integrally with the clamp. 23. The gutter protection arrangement according to claim 20, characterized in that the means for mounting the ornament on the clamp is removably attached to the clamp. 24. A gutter protection arrangement for mounting on a gutter that is secured to a building structure generally adjacent to a roof has jointed tiles, the gutter has a front wall extending upward connected to a rear wall extending upwardly by a lower wall to define a channel with a top opening, the arrangement is characterized in that it comprises: a cover having a plurality of perforations that allows water to pass through the cover while preventing waste from passing through. the cover; a mounting bracket that places the cover over the upper opening, the mounting bracket comprises: an elongate body extending through the upper opening, the elongate body having a first end and a second end; a clamp safety portion that fits over the front rim of the gutter to secure the clamp to the gutter, the safety portion of the clamp has an internal arm received inside the gutter and an outer arm positioned outside the gutter next to the front wall , wherein the inner arm and the outer arm cooperate to provide a clamping force on the gutter; a cover security lug forming a slot for receiving a front edge of the cover to secure the cover to the bracket; a plurality of separate cover security assemblies along the elongate body, wherein each of the cover security assemblies is received in a respective one of the plurality of perforations; an ornament mounting aperture formed on the outer arm for receiving and securing an appliqué mounting device to the clamp; and an ornament mounting hook formed integrally with the external arm; wherein the second end of the elongated body is received between the roof and the tiles.