Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Cover with surface water receiver at eave or valley – With separator; e.g. – strainer
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-04
2001-08-07
Canfield, Robert (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Cover with surface water receiver at eave or valley
With separator; e.g., strainer
C052S712000, C248S048100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06269592
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
The present invention is related to a gutter shield which allows water to enter the gutter while forbidding the entrance of foreign debris, such as leaves, sticks and the like. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an improved gutter shield system which has improved properties and an improved mounting system.
The use of shields on rain gutters is well known and a variety of shields and shield mounting systems are available. Shields manufactured from a single piece which either snap into a gutter or are integral to the gutter are provided in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,911,659; 5,737,879 and 5,575,118. Gutter shields which are pre-formed and snap into a gutter are undesirable since gutters are available in many cross-sectional shapes and sizes and the installer must maintain an inventory of parts or not participate in some business opportunities. Gutter shields which are integral to the gutter typically require that the entire gutter be replaced since they can not be retrofit to an existing gutter. It is now a common practice in the art to form gutters at the installation site from rolls of flat metal. This practice saves cost and eliminates the need to form seams in gutters since the entire gutter can be manufactured to the appropriate length on site. The shapes required to form a gutter, with the shield integral thereto, are not compatible with this practice.
Gutter shields which can be added to existing gutters are provided in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,455,791; 4,404,775 and 5,459,965. These typically include an elongated flat cover with one end placed under the shingles of the house and the other end rolled under and secured to the gutter. The manner in which these devices are secured is deficient for a variety of reasons. U.S. Pat. No. 4,455,791 teaches a series of straps which are on top of the gutter shield. The gutter shield rest on the spikes which secure the gutter to the building. This is unsightly and requires that spikes be used to secure the gutter to the building. Spikes are not always appropriate. U.S. Pat. No. 4,455,791 also teaches an embodiment wherein a clip secures the gutter shield to the gutter. This method is not secure and wind can dislodge the gutter shield which is undesirable.
An improved gutter shield and mounting clip is provided in the present invention which eliminates the problems associated with existing systems.
SUMMARY
It is an object of the present invention to provide a gutter shield and mounting clip which is superior to those presently available in the art.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a gutter shield mounting clip which is easy to install and which is secure.
A particular feature of the present invention is that the mounting clip is not readily visible and is therefore more aesthetically pleasing Than mounting clips of the prior art.
These and other features, as will be apparent, are provided in a shield for eliminating debris from entering a gutter. The shield comprises an elongated gutter shield comprising a curl. A mounting clip is provide which comprises a gutter mounting tab; a downward leg attached to the gutter mounting tab and extending downward therefrom and a riser leg attached to the downward leg and extending upward therefrom. The gutter mounting tab is attachable to the gutter and the riser leg is attachable to the curl of the elongated gutter shield.
Another embodiment is provided in a shield for eliminating debris from entering a gutter. The shield comprises an elongated gutter shield comprising a long edge and a short edge and a curl along one long edge. An elongated strap mounting clip is provided which comprises a planar gutter mounting tab; a downward leg attached to the gutter mounting tab and extending downward therefrom; and a riser leg attached to the downward leg and extending upward therefrom. The gutter mounting tab is attachable to the gutter and the riser leg is attachable to the curl.
In yet another embodiment a shield for eliminating debris from entering a gutter is provided wherein the gutter comprises an exterior edge. The shield comprises an elongated gutter shield comprising a curl. The mounting clip comprises a gutter mounting tab; a downward leg attached to the gutter mounting tab and extending downward therefrom; and a riser leg attached to the downward leg and extending upward therefrom. The gutter mounting tab is attachable to the exterior edge of the gutter and the riser leg is attachable to the curl.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4404775 (1983-09-01), Demartini
patent: 4435925 (1984-03-01), Jefferys
patent: 4455791 (1984-06-01), Elko et al.
patent: 4796390 (1989-01-01), Demartini
patent: 5459965 (1995-10-01), Meckstroth
patent: 5495694 (1996-03-01), Kuhns
patent: 5575118 (1996-11-01), Vahldieck
patent: 5640809 (1997-06-01), Iannelli
patent: 5660001 (1997-08-01), Albracht
patent: 5737879 (1998-04-01), Sweet
patent: 5911659 (1999-06-01), Serano
patent: 6016631 (2000-01-01), Lowrie, III
patent: 6098344 (2000-08-01), Albracht
Canfield Robert
Guy Joseph T.
Nexsen Pruet Jacobs & Pollard LLC
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