Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Cover with surface water receiver at eave or valley – Between oppositely sloping sections
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-19
2001-07-10
Stephan, Beth A. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Cover with surface water receiver at eave or valley
Between oppositely sloping sections
C052S011000, C052S015000, C052S097000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06256933
ABSTRACT:
The invention relates to a water distributor for use with existing rain guttering and roofing. More particularly, the invention relates to a water distributor that is positioned within an inside valley of a roof to direct water in a more uniform manner to the guttering.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
To eliminate clogging of rain gutters by debris, e.g., leaves, various rain gutter covers have been designed to channel water into a rain gutter, while, at the same time, keeping the debris from entering the rain gutter. One such rain gutter cover is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,216,851 issued Jun. 8, 1993, herein incorporated by reference. Such rain gutter covers function through water adhesion principles that channel water into the gutter via a plurality of apertures formed in the rain gutter cover. These apertures direct the water into the rain gutter while debris of sufficient size is excluded from entering the rain gutter. Typically, such rain gutter covers are attached between a roofline and a lip of the rain gutter along the entire length of the rain gutter.
However, two portions of a roof may meet at an angle (typically, 90 degrees) to form what is known as an inside corner or inside valley. In principle, water flowing along an inside valley flows onto the top flat portion of a gutter cover following a path to the collector portion where, through principles of surface adhesion, the water is delivered into the rain gutter as the debris carried by the water is jettisoned off of the gutter cover. However, the amount of water flowing from an inside valley may exceed the gutter cover's ability to collect the water, thereby permitting much of the water to overflow the gutter cover and to fall onto the ground resulting in soil erosion, basement leakage and so on.
In an attempt to redirect the rain water from the inside valley to a larger cross-section of gutter covers, vertical deflectors or fence-like devices have been installed on the gutter covers. These fence-like devices extend usually 1½ inches to 3 inches in height and are positioned to interrupt the flow of water before it reaches the gutter covers, thereby diverting the water laterally across the roofing or the horizontal portion of the gutter covers. In essence, the fence-like devices spread the large quantity of water within the inside valley across the roof. Unfortunately, tree debris, twigs, leaves, seeds, and so on accumulate behind the fence-like device, thereby reducing its effectiveness in diverting the rain water. Additionally, debris collecting behind the fence-like device contributes to the deterioration of the roofing material itself. To keep the fence-like device functioning, frequent cleaning is required, which is cumbersome, dangerous and contrary to the intended function of the gutter covers, i.e., keeping the rain gutters maintenance-free.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a maintenance-free water collection device that functions within an inside valley of the roof without collecting debris.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages associated with the prior art. Specifically, the present invention is a water distributor for diverting water from a roof valley into a rain gutter. The device provides the additional advantage of distributing rain water without the device collecting tree debris or becoming clogged with leaves or twigs that may interfere with its function.
One embodiment of the invention comprises a water distributor having a substantially triangular top surface bounded by a first edge, a second edge and a bowed edge. At least one flange is coupled to said first edge or said second edge. The triangular top surface spreads rain water flowing down the roof valley across the top surface, thus distributing the rain water into a rain gutter or a gutter protector.
Another embodiment of the invention comprises a water distributor having a top portion fastened to a first and a second rain gutter which meet beneath a roof valley. The top portion transitions into a vertical section that has at least one aperture. A member is coupled between the vertical section and the respective rain gutters. Rain water entering the water distributor from the roof valley flows onto the member and into the rain gutters.
Another embodiment of the invention comprises an apparatus for directing water from a first roof surface and a second roof surface to a rain gutter. Rain water from the first roof surface is channeled though a leader having a water distributor onto the second roof surface. The water distributor comprises an end for coupling to the leader and a discharge section having a plurality of holes. When rain water passes through the discharge section, a portion of the rain water diverted through the plurality of holes and is distributed across the second roof surface. The distributed water is then collected by the rain gutter generally without overflowing.
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Glessner Brian E.
Stephan Beth A.
Thomason Moser & Patterson LLP
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