WO2010006411A1

WO2010006411A1 - Tiltable gutter support

Info

Publication number: WO2010006411A1
Application number: PCT/CA2009/000877
Authority: WO
Inventors: Real Pigeon
Original assignee: Real Pigeon
Priority date: 2008-06-23
Filing date: 2009-06-23
Publication date: 2010-01-21

Abstract

A tiltable gutter support (1) for supporting a gutter (7) of an erect structure (23). The gutter support (1) includes a mounting component (3), a support bracket (5) and a biasing assembly (9). The mounting component (3) is used for mounting the gutter support (1) onto a given surface (25) of the erect structure (23). The support bracket (5) is operatively connected to the mounting component (3) and projects from it in order to receive the gutter (7), the support bracket (5) being tiltable with respect to the mounting component (3) and being operable between at least two differently angled operating configurations. The biasing assembly (9) is used for operatively cooperating between the given surface (25) and the support bracket (5) in order to automatically urge said support bracket (5) from a tilted operating configuration back into a default operating configuration.

Description

TILTABLE GUTTER SUPPORT

Field of the invention:

The present invention relates to a gutter support. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tiltable gutter support, to a gutter system including such a support, to a method of installing associated thereto, to a corresponding method of operating, as well as to a kit for assembling the same.

Background of the invention:

Known in the art are conventional gutter systems and corresponding accessories for receiving and draining rain water and the like.

For example, known to the Applicant are the following patents: US patent

Nos. 2,624,067; 4,061 ,151 ; 4,117,635; 4,745,657 and 5,335,460; as well as UK patent No. 330852.

It is also well known in the art that such conventional gutter systems are likely to become obstructed when filled with snow, ice and/or other unwanted debris, such as leaves, dirt, etc. Furthermore, such conventional gutter systems may be damaged or even break when obstructed with an excess charge of weight being accumulated in the gutters if the latter are not appropriately cleaned, etc.

However, the prevention of removal of snow and ice, or other unwanted debris accumulation from conventional gutters, generally requires access from a roof or use of a ladder which is undesirable for obvious reasons known in the art (time consuming process, raises safety concerns due to operation at elevated heights, etc.).

Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for an improved system which, by virtue of its design and components, would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the above-discussed prior art concerns. Summary of the invention:

The object of the present invention is to provide a device which, by virtue of its design and components, satisfies some of the above-mentioned needs and is thus an improvement over other related gutter systems and/or methods known in the prior art.

In accordance with the present invention, the above-mentioned object is achieved, as will be easily understood, by a tiltable gutter support and/or system such as the one briefly described herein and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings.

More particularly, according to the present invention, there is provided a tiltable gutter support for supporting a gutter of an erect structure, the gutter support comprising: a mounting component for mounting the gutter support onto a given surface of the erect structure; a support bracket operatively connected to the mounting component and projecting therefrom for receiving the gutter, the support bracket being tiltable with respect to the mounting component and being operable between at least two differently angled operating configurations; and a biasing assembly for operatively cooperating between the given surface and the support bracket in order to urge said support bracket from a tilted operating configuration back into a default operating configuration.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a tiltable gutter support for supporting a gutter of an erect structure, the gutter support comprising: a mounting component for mounting the gutter support onto a given surface of the erect structure; a support bracket operatively connected to the mounting component and projecting therefrom for receiving the gutter, the support bracket being tiltable with respect to the mounting component and being operable between at least two differently angled operating configurations; and a biasing assembly having a resilient element disposed about the tillable gutter support for automatically urging the support bracket from a tilted operating configuration back into a default operating configuration.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a tiltable gutter support for supporting a gutter of an erect structure, the gutter support comprising: a mounting component for mounting the gutter support onto a given surface of the erect structure; a support bracket operatively connected to the mounting component and projecting therefrom for receiving the gutter, the support bracket being tiltable with respect to the mounting component and being operable between at least two differently angled operating configurations; and a biasing assembly having an energy-storing element disposed about the tiltable gutter support for automatically urging the support bracket from a tilted operating configuration back into a default operating configuration.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gutter system provided with the above-mentioned tiltable gutter support and/or components thereof.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing the above-mentioned tiltable gutter support and/or gutter system.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating the above-mentioned tiltable gutter support and/or gutter system. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit with corresponding components for assembling the above-mentioned tiltable gutter support and/or gutter system.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of assembling components of the above-mentioned kit.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided an erect structure, such as a home, a building, an establishment or any other suitable upright structure, provided with the above-mentioned tiltable gutter support and/or gutter system.

The objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a tiltable gutter support system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a portion of a gutter being supported by a pair of tiltable gutter supports.

Figure 2a is a side elevational view of one of the tiltable gutter supports shown in Figure 1 , the tiltable gutter support having a support bracket, an arcuate leg and a tubular guide, the tiltable gutter support being shown with the support bracket being disposed in a default operating configuration.

Figure 2b is another side elevational view of what is shown in Figure 2a, the tiltable gutter support being now shown with the support bracket being disposed in another operating configuration. Figure 2c is another side elevational view of what is shown in Figure 2b, the tiltable gutter support being now shown with the support bracket being disposed in yet another operating configuration.

Figure 3 is an exploded view of the tiltable gutter support shown in Figure

2a.

Figure 4a is a schematic side view of a tiltable gutter support according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4b is a schematic side view of a tiltable gutter support according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tiltable gutter support being now shown with a gutter having a profile different from that of the support bracket.

Figure 4c is a schematic side view of a tiltable gutter support according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tiltable gutter support being now shown with a gutter also having a profile different from that of the support bracket in another manner.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the tiltable gutter support shown in Figure 2a.

Figure 6 is another perspective view of the tiltable gutter support shown in Figure 2a, the tiltable gutter support being now shown without the tubular guide.

Figure 7 is a schematic view of the tiltable gutter support shown in Figure 2a, the tiltable gutter support being now shown with a portion thereof set in a 2"x4" lumber of an upper structure (i.e. roof) of a building, the building being shown partially and schematically.

Figure 8a is a schematic side view of a tiltable gutter support according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8b is a schematic side view of a tillable gutter support according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8c is a schematic side view of a tiltable gutter support according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8d is a schematic side view of a tiltable gutter support according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8e is a schematic side view of a tiltable gutter support according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9a is a schematic side view of a tiltable gutter support according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9b is a schematic side view of a tiltable gutter support according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9c is a schematic side view of a tiltable gutter support according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9d is a schematic side view of a tiltable gutter support according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a schematic side view of an erect structure provided with at least one tiltable gutter support or system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention:

In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures or described in the present description are preferred embodiments only, given for exemplification purposes only.

Although the present invention was primarily designed for use with gutters along roof edges of residential homes and the like, it may be used with other kinds of objects (or erect structures) and for various other applications for that matter, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, expressions such as

"gutter", "roof, "residential", "home", "building", etc. should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention and includes all other kinds of items or applications with which the present invention may be used and could be useful, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.

Moreover, in the context of the present description, the expressions "support", "system", "gutter", "device", "unit" and "assembly", as well as any other equivalent expressions and/or compound words thereof, may be used interchangeably. The same applies for any other mutually equivalent expressions used in the present description, such as "gutter", "channel" and "conduit" for example, as well as "standard", "default", "first" and "normal", or even "tilted", "angled", "second" and "inclined", as well as "biasing", "resilient" and "energy- storing", as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.

Furthermore, and also in the context of the present description, the expressions "proximate extremity" and "anchored extremity" may also be used interchangeably, as well as "distal extremity" and "unattached extremity", or even "tilting assembly", "hook" and "loop". Furthermore, the expressions "erect structure", "building", "structural frame" and other equivalent expressions thereof may also be used interchangeably, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

Moreover, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises components such as a support bracket (5), a spring (29), a tubular guide (37), etc., and although the preferred embodiment of the tiltable gutter support (1) and corresponding parts thereof consists of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperations thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the tillable gutter support (1) according to the present invention, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Broadly described, the tiltable gutter support (1) according to the present invention, as exemplified in the accompanying drawings, is a gutter support (1) for supporting a gutter (7) (or "gutter channel") of an erect structure, typically along the roof of a building, the tiltable gutter support (1) allowing, when tilted, substances (whether solids, liquids, etc.) accumulated in the gutter channel (7) to drop over the edge of the gutter channel (7), or at the very least to become more easily and safely accessible from a downward location, in order to facilitate removal from the gutter channel (7), and/or cleaning of the same, as can be easily understood when referring to Figures 2a-2c.

As better shown in Figures 1-3, the tiltable gutter support (1) comprises a mounting bracket (3), a support bracket (5) and a biasing assembly (9). Preferably, the mounting component (3) is used for mounting the gutter support (1) onto a given surface (25) of the erect structure (23). Preferably also, the support bracket (5) is operatively connected to the mounting component (3) and projects therefrom for receiving the gutter (7), the support bracket (5) being tiltable with respect to the mounting component (3) and being operable between at least two differently angled operating configurations, as better shown when referring to Figures 2a-2c. Preferably also, the biasing assembly (9) operatively cooperates between the given surface and the support bracket (5) in order to automatically urge said support bracket (5) from a tilted operating configuration back into a default operating configuration, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art when referring to the present description and the accompanying drawings. Indeed, an important aspect of the present invention resides in the fact that the tiltable gutter support (1) is configured so that it may be "passively" disposed into a tilted configuration, due to an accumulation of weight (undesirable debris, etc.) in the gutter (7), or it may also be "actively" disposed into a tilted configuration, due to an external action of a user of the gutter support system (2), so that when the support bracket (5) is tilted in such a manner, accumulated matter in the gutter (7) may be discharged, or at the very least, it may be more easily and conveniently accessible, so as to facilitate the removal thereof by an external source, such as a user of the system (2), with the added benefit that due to the presence of the biasing assembly (9) according to the present invention, which preferably contains a resilient element and/or an energy-storing element, such as a spring (29) for example, the biasing assembly (9) is further configured to urge the support bracket (5) back into a default operating configuration, and this "automatically", without the presence of an external or human intervention.

Thus, as may now be better appreciated, the present is particularly advantageous in that the tiltable gutter support (1) is configured to be brought back

"automatically" into a normal or default configuration, due to the presence of the biasing assembly (9) which does not require human intervention, or a motorized device, for example.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the tiltable gutter support (1) of comprises a wall fixture (3) for anchoring the gutter support to a surface of a building, a support bracket (5) for supporting a gutter channel (7), the support bracket (5) being pivotally attached or movable with respect to the wall fixture (3) and projecting therefrom, the support bracket (5) being operable between at least a standard position and an inclined position, and a biasing assembly (9) for biasing the support bracket (5) toward the standard position, the biasing assembly (9) being operatively connected to the support bracket (5) and extending to the surface of the building, the biasing assembly (9) further allowing the support bracket (5) to be movable between the standard and inclined positions. Preferably, and as can be easily understood from the accompanying drawings, the support bracket (5) is hingedly or pivotably connected (or "movable") with respect to the mounting component (3). Preferably also, a hinge (3) allows affixing an anchored extremity (13) of the support bracket (5) to an appropriate surface (23) of a building, such as a wall, roof, etc. The hinge (3) is preferably affixed to a surface by use of one or more suitable fastener(s), such as a screw, a nail, a bolt, a clip, and/or the like, insertable via at least one corresponding hole provided on the hinge (3). Preferably also, and as better shown in Figures 1-3, the support bracket (5) has a profile complementary to that of the gutter (7) for nesting the gutter (7) into the support bracket (5). The support bracket (5) preferably has a flared profile, and according to a given preferred aspect of the present invention, the support bracket (5) is shaped like a "V" having a flat bottom, each border of the support bracket (5) forming an obtuse angle with the bottom thereof. Namely, the flared shape of the gutter channel (7) facilitates emptying the contents of the gutter (7) when tilted, as can be easily understood when referring to Figure 2c.

The support bracket (5) may have any other suitable shape to receive a gutter (7) having a flared inner profile, and further allowing the movement of the gutter support (1) between the default operating configuration and the tilted operating configuration, as can be easily understood and as illustrated in Figures 4a-4c. Indeed and for example, the gutter (7) and/or corresponding support bracket (5) may have a curved flared shape (see Figure 4a). Alternatively, the support bracket (5) may have a semi-circular profile, adapted to receive a gutter (7) having a conformingly semi-circular outer profile and suitably flared inner profile (see Figure 4b). Alternatively, the support bracket (5) may have a semi-circular outer profile and a flared inner profile in order to receive a corresponding flared gutter (7) (see Figure 4c). The support bracket (5) of the tiltable gutter support may have any of a variety of suitable shapes and configurations, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and as better shown in Figures 5 and 6, the tiltable gutter support (1) further comprises a securing assembly (16) for removably securing the gutter (7) onto the support bracket (5). Preferably, the securing assembly (16) comprises a lip (19), being positioned, shaped and sized with respect to the support bracket (5) for receiving a corresponding edge of the gutter (7). The lip (19) is preferably provided on a proximate extremity of the support bracket (5). Moreover, the securing assembly (21) preferably comprises at least one hole (17) provided on the support bracket (5) for receiving a corresponding fastener into the gutter and into said at least one hole (17). The hole (17) is preferably provided on a distal extremity (15) of the support bracket (5). Preferably, and as better shown in Figures 5 and 6, the unattached extremity (15) of the support bracket (5) comprises a hole (17) and the anchored extremity (13) extends upwardly into a lip (19). Preferably, the gutter channel (7) is set into the support bracket (5), as better illustrated in Figure 1 , by inserting one edge of the channel (7) under the lip (19) and fastening the other edge by use of a suitable fastener, such as a nail, a screw, a bolt, and/or the like, through the hole (17), and into a corresponding portion of the gutter channel (7). Therefore, the present invention provides for a very easy, quick and convenient manner of removably connecting a corresponding gutter (7) onto the tillable gutter support (1 ) and corresponding support bracket (5).

As also better shown in Figures 5 and 6, the tiltable gutter support (1) preferably comprises a tilting assembly (21) for selectively (i.e. "actively") operating the support bracket (5) into the tilted operating configuration. Preferably, the tilting assembly (21) comprises a hook (21) (or loop) for receiving a pulling device in order to pull on the hook (21) and thus operate the support bracket (5) into the tilted operating configuration. The hook (21) is preferably provided on a distal extremity (15) of the support bracket (5), so as to namely, for example, provide a greater leverage effect when pulling down on the support bracket (5). Preferably, the unattached extremity (15) of the support bracket (5) comprises a loop (21) to allow a user to reach with an appropriate tool such a hook and facilitate tilting the tiltable gutter support (1). Indeed, and as can be easily understood when referring to the accompanying drawings, a user of the present system (2), instead of having to go on the roof or using a ladder to access the gutter system (2), may simply be safely located on a ground level, and use a pole provided with a corresponding hook which would be shaped and sized to cooperate with the above-mentioned loop (21) of the unattached or "movable" extremity (15) of the support bracket (5) so as to selectively tilt the support bracket (5) and thereby selectively empty any undesirable content which may be present in the corresponding gutter channel (7) supported by said support bracket (5).

Thus, the present invention is also particularly advantageous in that it avoids the use of having to go on the roof or using a ladder in order to empty and/or clean the content of the gutter channel (7).

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art when referring to Figures 1-3, for example, the biasing assembly (9) comprises an auxiliary support (27) provided with a spring (29), the auxiliary support (27) with spring (29) being operatively connected between the given surface (25) and the support bracket (5), the auxiliary support (27) with spring (29) being operable between an extended configuration where the spring (29) is extended so that the auxiliary support (27) maintains the support bracket (5) in the default operating configuration, and a retracted configuration where the spring (29) is compressed so that the auxiliary support (27) allows the support bracket (5) to be operated into the tilted operating configuration. Preferably, the auxiliary support (27) comprises an arcuate leg (27) extending between the spring (29) and the support bracket (5). Preferably also, the arcuate leg (27) comprises first and second ends, the first end being pivotally connected to the support bracket (5) and the second end being provided with an abutment disk (35) for abutting against the spring (29).

It is worth mentioning that according to the present invention, various other types of biasing assemblies (9) may be used so long as they are configured to preferably urge the support bracket (5) back into a normal, default or standard operating configuration, after having been tilted, and this in an automatic manner, that is, preferably without the use of human intervention or a motorized device. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as described herein, the biasing assembly (9) preferably comprises a resilient element or an energy-storing element, such as a spring (29) for example, but other suitable biasing assemblies (9) may be used according to the present invention in order to obtain the above-mentioned results and corresponding advantages.

Referring now to Figure 5 to 7, the biasing assembly (9) preferably further includes a guide (37) for receiving the spring (29) therein and for guiding said spring (29) along the guide (37). Preferably, the guide (37) is adapted to be mounted into a corresponding recess (30) on the given surface (25) of the erect structure (23) so as to define an intramural portion (33) of the biasing assembly (9), as better shown in Figure 7. Once again, it is worth mentioning that various other suitable cooperations and geometries between the components of the present tiltable gutter support (1) may be used, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. The guide (37) preferably comprises a rim (39), for abutting against a peripheral side surface of the corresponding recess (30) and preferably comprises a stopper (41) for preventing the spring (29) from moving beyond said stopper (41). Moreover, the guide (37) or a portion thereof is preferably tubular and/or arcuate.

Preferably, the biasing assembly (9) extends from the support bracket (5) into the wall (25) or the fixed structure (23), the biasing assembly (9) having an extramural portion (31 ) and an intramural portion (33). Preferably, and as better shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7, the extramural portion (31) of the biasing assembly

(7) comprises an arcuate leg (or "shank") (27), as an auxiliary support, pivotally attached to the support bracket (5), near the midsection thereof. The extramural portion (31) extends from the support bracket (5) to the surface (25) of the building and ends with the abutment disk (35). The intramural portion (33) of the biasing assembly (9) preferably extends from the outer surface of the wall into the wall, and comprises the spring (29) surrounded by a guide (37), preferably an arcuate tubular member, as aforementioned, the tubular guide (37) being preferably made of a rigid or semi-rigid material. According to a preferred embodiment, the tubular guide (37) and spring (29) assembly is set into a structural frame (23), such as a

2"X4" lumber, for example, as better illustrated in Figure 7. Alternatively, the structural wall or frame (23) may be made of another material such as steel or the like, or may consist of any other suitable component of the building on which the present gutter system (2) is to be mounted, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. The outer extremity of the rigid tube (37), preferably, extends outwardly into a plate (39), preferably of annular shape ("circular ledge" ), along the surface (25) of the wall and is fastened thereto to prevent the tubular guide (37) from being pushed into the wall (25). The distal end of the tubular guide (37) preferably extends inwardly into a peripheral stopper (41) to prevent the spring (29) from being pushed out of the tubular guide (37), as better illustrated in Figure 5. Thus, the spring (29) is retained between the peripheral stopper (41) of the tubular guide (37) and the abutment disk (35). Alternatively, the guide (37) may be closed at the distal end thereof, in order to provide the stopper (41). The spring (29) exerts a force against the disk (35) which is retained by the plate (39), when the spring (29) is fully extended, thus preventing the disk (35) from being pushed away from the wall (25), and over-lifting the support bracket (5).

Alternatively, and as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art, the guide (37) and/or any component thereof may have any other suitable shape or configuration. Indeed and for example, the guide (37) may include two elongated arched members defining a tubular channel. Alternatively, a tubular opening or recess defined within the fixed structure (23) may provide the guide (37), according to another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, the guide (37) may include a railing assembly to cooperate with the arcuate leg (27), in order to guide the movement thereof, as can be easily understood.

In regard to the operation of the tiltable gutter support (1), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and as better represented in Figures 2a-2c, when downward force is applied on the unattached extremity (15) of the support bracket (5), the support bracket (5) pivots about the axis of the hinge (11) towards a tilted operating configuration, causing the spring (29) to be compressed by the movement of the abutment disk (35). When the downward force is released, the spring (29) pushes the abutment disk (35) back against the plate (39), causing the support bracket (5) to be biased back automatically toward its default operating configuration. The stopper (41) and the tubular guide (37) cooperate to guide for the movement of the abutment disk (35) and the spring (29).

Preferably, the downward force results from the weight of the accumulation in the gutter (7), such that when a given amount of substance collects in the gutter (7), the weight of the substance therein overrides the biasing assembly (9), causing the gutter (7) to be inclined downwardly and to naturally discharge its content. Indeed, according to a preferred embodiment, the biasing assembly (9) is configured to exert a biasing force no greater than a given predetermined threshold, so that when the weight above the support bracket (5) overrides said threshold, the biasing assembly (9) is further configured to yield in order to allow the support bracket (5) to be automatically operated into the tilted operating configuration, thereby allowing a discharge of weight so that the support bracket (5) may subsequently be operated or brought back into another operating configuration. Alternatively, the downward force may result from a person, for example, by means of an appropriate tool such as a long-handled hook, which is fitted through the loop (21) of the support bracket (5) to facilitate tilting of the tiltable gutter support (1) or gutter system (2). Other means such as a cable could be used to tilt the tiltable gutter support (1) or system (2), as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. Alternatively, the downward force may result from a pulling force applied on the outer edge of the gutter channel (7) or lifting force applied on the inner edge of the gutter channel (7). The tiltable gutter support (1) or gutter system (2) may alternatively be configured so as to accommodate another means to tilt the gutter channel (7), as can also be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. Indeed and for example, the tiltable gutter support (1) may be anchored at the distal extremity (15) thereof and movable, upwardly or downwardly, at the proximal extremity (13) thereof. Alternatively, the titltable gutter support (1) may be provided with an anchoring pivot in a central portion thereof in order to be tiltable from either side, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. Moreover, the biasing assembly (9) may comprise a motorized actuator for selectively and adjustably driving the support bracket (5) between the tilted operating configuration and the default operating configuration. According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support bracket (5) and the gutter (1) are made integral (i.e. made of a single piece) to one another. Alternatively, the gutter support (1) and gutter (7) may be integral to one another, such that the resulting gutter system (1) is readily assembled and tiltable when mounted on a building or erect structure.

Referring back to Figure 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a gutter support system (2) which comprises a plurality of tiltable gutter supports (1), the plurality of gutter supports (1) being distally positioned along the erect structure (23) to collectively support the gutter (7), each gutter support (1) comprising a mounting component (3) for mounting the gutter support onto a given surface (25) of the erect structure (23), a support bracket (5) operatively connected to the mounting component (3) and projecting therefrom for receiving the gutter (7), the support bracket (5) being tiltable with respect to the mounting component (3) and being operable between at least two differently angled operating configurations, and a biasing assembly (9) for operatively cooperating between the given surface (25) and the support bracket (5) in order to urge said support bracket (5) from a tilted operating configuration back into a default operating configuration. Preferably, a series of tiltable gutter supports (1) are suitably spaced apart along the wall of a building and cooperate to support a gutter (7) thereon. Alternatively, the support bracket (5) may be wider and attached to a wider wall fixture (3) and/or a plurality of wall fixtures (3) such that a gutter channel (7) is supported by a single tiltable gutter support (1), as may be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

According to other embodiments of the present invention, with reference to Figures 8a-8e, the biasing assembly (9) comprises a hoisting member (43) with corresponding weight and a pivotal support (45) for pivoting the support bracket (5) thereabout, the hoisting member (43) being operable between an extended configuration wherein the support bracket (5) is released into the tilted operating configuration, and a retracted configuration wherein the support bracket (5) is automatically hoisted back into the default operating configuration due to the acting effect of the above-mentioned weight. Indeed and for example, the hoisting member (43) may include a spring (Figures 8a and 8b), a counter weight (Figure 8c), an elastic or a cable (Figure 8d) or a resilient mounting component (Figure 8e), all of which allow a pulling force to keep the support bracket (5) automatically back into the default operating configuration, and are also extendible in order to tilt the support bracket (5) in the tilted operating configuration.

The tiltable gutter support (1) and corresponding parts (hinge (3), support bracket (5), arcuate shank (27), spring (29), tube (37), etc.) are preferably made of substantially rigid materials, such as metallic materials (stainless steel, etc.), composite materials, polymeric materials, and/or the like, so as to ensure a proper operation thereof depending on the particular applications for which the tiltable gutter support (1) is intended and the different parameters in cause, such as environmental conditions and the like, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.

The present invention is particularly advantageous in that the above- described tiltable gutter support (1) allows for a gutter system (2) to be easily discharged of undesirable substances such as snow, ice, leaves and/or the like, by tilting the support bracket (5), and thus avoiding the awkward task of accessing the gutter (7) at elevated heights and manually removing these substances. Furthermore, the tiltable gutter support (1) is easily manufactured and may be made from a variety of materials.

Several modifications could be made to the above-described tiltable gutter support (1) or gutter system (2), without departing from the scope of the present invention, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. Indeed and for example, the support bracket (5) may be configured so as to secure the gutter channel (7) by other securing or fastening means, such as screws or bolts, at both extremities, a biased lip, glue, by press fitting, by clipping, and/or the like. Alternatively, the support bracket (5) may comprise a gutter channel (7) or a segment thereof. Alternatively, a series of support brackets (15) may be attached to a gutter channel (7) to form a tiltable gutter system (2). Several other modifications could be made to the above-described tiltable gutter support (1), without departing from the scope of the present invention, as exemplified in Figures 9a-9d. Indeed and for example, the auxiliary support (27) may include a resilient component surrounding, as exemplified in Figure 9a, or cooperating with the spring (29). Moreover, the mounting component (3) may be indirectly connected to the building and/or shifted with respect to the surface of the structure (23) (see Figure 9b). Moreover, the spring (29) may include an accordion pipe (see Figure 9c). Also, as illustrated in Figure 9d, the support bracket (5) may comprise a hooking device or other attachment means to support a correspondingly configured gutter (7) (see Figure 9d). More particularly, the biasing assembly (9) may be configured differently and/or comprise other resilient means, such as a piston, a coil, a cable-and-weight assembly and/or the like. Alternatively, the biasing assembly (9) may be entirely extramural or entirely intramural. Also, the intramural portion (33) of the biasing assembly (9) may be supported by means than other the structural frame, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. Moreover, the tiltable gutter support (1) or gutter system (2) may comprise a building or a structural element (23), as can also be easily understood by a person skilled in the art, and as exemplified in Figure 10.

Of course, numerous other modifications could be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A tiltable gutter support (1) for supporting a gutter (7) of an erect structure (23), the gutter support (1) comprising: a mounting component (3) for mounting the gutter support (1) onto a given surface (25) of the erect structure (23); a support bracket (5) operatively connected to the mounting component (3) and projecting therefrom for receiving the gutter (7), the support bracket (5) being tiltable with respect to the mounting component (3) and being operable between at least two differently angled operating configurations; and a biasing assembly (9) having a resilient element (29) disposed about the tiltable gutter support (1) for automatically urging the support bracket (5) from a tilted operating configuration back into a default operating configuration.

2. A tiltable gutter support (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the support bracket (5) is hingedly connected to the mounting component (3).

3. A tiltable gutter support (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support bracket (5) has a profile complementary to that of the gutter (7) for nesting the gutter (7) into the support bracket (5).

4. A tiltable gutter support (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the support bracket (5) has a flared profile.

5. A tiltable gutter support (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the tiltable gutter support (1) further comprises a securing assembly (16) for removably securing the gutter (7) onto the support bracket (5).

6. A tiltable gutter support (1) according to claim 5, wherein the securing assembly (16) comprises a lip (19) being positioned, shaped and sized with respect to the support bracket (5) for receiving a corresponding edge of the gutter (7).

7. A tiltable gutter support (1) according to claim 6, wherein the lip (19) is provided on a proximate extremity (13) of the support bracket (5).

8. A tiltable gutter support (1) according to any one of claims 5-7, wherein the securing assembly (16) comprises at least one hole (17) provided on the support bracket (5) for receiving a corresponding fastener into the gutter (7) and into said at least one hole (17).

9. A tiltable gutter support (1) according to claim 8, wherein the at least one hole (17) is provided on a distal extremity (15) of the support bracket (5).

10. A tiltable gutter support (1) according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the tiltable gutter support (1) comprises a tilting assembly (21) for selectively operating the support bracket (5) into the tilted operating configuration.

11. A tiltable gutter support (1) according to claim 10, wherein the tilting assembly (21) comprises a hook (21) for receiving a pulling device in order to pull down on said hook and thus operate the support bracket (5) into the tilted operating configuration.

12. A tiltable gutter support (1) according to claim 11 , wherein the hook (21) is provided on a distal extremity (15) of the support bracket (5).

13. A tiltable gutter support (1) according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the biasing assembly (9) comprises an auxiliary support (27) provided with a spring

(29), the auxiliary support (27) with spring (29) being operatively connectable between the given surface (25) and the support bracket (5), the auxiliary support (27) with spring (29) being operable between an extended configuration where the spring (29) is extended so that the auxiliary support (27) maintains the support bracket (5) in the default operating configuration, and a retracted configuration where the spring (29) is compressed so that the auxiliary support (27) allows the support bracket (5) to be operated into the tilted operating configuration.

14. A tiltable gutter support (1) according to claim 13, wherein the auxiliary support (27) comprises an arcuate leg (27) extending between the spring (29) and the support bracket (5).

15. A tiltable gutter support (1) according to claim 14, wherein the arcuate leg (27) comprises first and second ends, the first end being pivotally connected to the support bracket (5) and the second end being provided with an abutment disk (35) for abutting against the spring (29).

16. A tiltable gutter support (1) according to any one of claims 13-15, wherein the biasing assembly (9) includes a guide (37) for receiving the spring (29) therein and for guiding said spring (29) along the guide (37).

17. A tiltable gutter support (1) according to claim 16, wherein the guide (37) is adapted to be mounted into a corresponding recess (30) on the given surface (25) of the erect structure (23) so as to define an intramural portion (33) of the biasing assembly (9).

18. A tiltable gutter support (1) according to claim 17, wherein the guide (37) comprises a rim (39) for abutting against a peripheral side surface of the corresponding recess.

19. A tiltable gutter support (1) according to any one of claims 16-18, wherein the guide (37) comprises a stopper (41) for preventing the spring (29) from moving beyond said stopper (41).

20. A tiltable gutter support (1) according to any one of claims 16-19, wherein a portion of the guide (37) is tubular.

21. A tiltable gutter support (1) according to any one of claims 16-20, wherein a portion of the guide (37) is arcuate.

22. A tiltable gutter support (1) according to any one of claims 1-21 , wherein the biasing assembly (9) is configured to exert a biasing force no greater than a given predetermined threshold, so that when the weight above the support bracket (5) overrides said threshold, the biasing assembly (9) is further configured to yield in order to allow the support bracket (5) to be automatically operated into the tilted operating configuration, thereby allowing a discharge of weight so that the support bracket (5) may subsequently be operated back automatically into another operating configuration or the biasing assembly (9).

23. A tiltable gutter support (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 -22, wherein the biasing assembly (9) comprises a motorized actuator for selectively and adjustably driving the support bracket (5) between the tilted operating configuration and the default operating configuration.

24. A tiltable gutter support (1) according to any one of claims 1-23, wherein the support bracket (5) and the gutter (7) are made integral to one another.

25. A tiltable gutter support (1) according to any one of claims 1-24, wherein the tiltable gutter support (1) and the gutter (7) are made integral to one another.

26. A tiltable gutter support (1) according to claim 1-12, wherein the biasing assembly (9) comprises a hoisting member (43) and a pivotal support (45) for pivoting the support bracket (5) thereabout, the hoisting member (43) being operable between an extended configuration wherein the support bracket (5) is released into the tilted operating configuration, and a retracted configuration wherein the support bracket (5) is hoisted back into the default operating configuration.

27. A tiltable gutter support system (2) for supporting a gutter (7) of an erect structure (23), the gutter support system (2) comprising a plurality of tiltable gutter supports (1), the plurality of gutter supports (1) being distally positioned along the erect structure (23) to collectively support the gutter (7), each gutter support (1) comprising: - a mounting component (3) for mounting the gutter support (1) onto a given surface (25) of the erect structure (23);

- a support bracket (5) operatively connected to the mounting component (3) and projecting therefrom for receiving the gutter (7), the support bracket (5) being tiltable with respect to the mounting component (3) and being operable between at least two differently angled operating configurations; and

- a biasing assembly (9) for operatively cooperating between the given surface (25) and the support bracket (5) in order to urge said support bracket (5) from a tilted operating configuration back into a default operating configuration.