GB2423777A

GB2423777A - A Gutter Guard

Info

Publication number: GB2423777A
Application number: GB0504606A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Sefi; Paul James Connolly
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-03-05
Filing date: 2005-03-05
Publication date: 2006-09-06
Also published as: GB0504606D0

Abstract

A gutter guard comprises lengths of a mesh material A, attached by a rotating mechanism E such as a hinge to one or more fixings B at the front edge of a gutter C, it spans the width of the gutter and its back edge rests upon roofing material D. The fixing mechanisms may be spring loaded clips. The hinge may be activated by downward pressure on a protrusion F preferably connected to the front edge of the guard, this pivots the mesh upwards to remove any debris. The back edge of the guard may be bevelled to conform to the profile of the roof. In use, the guard prevents debris from entering the gutter.

Description

DESCRIPTION Page One

GUTTER GUARD

BACKGROUND

The blocking of gutters and down pipes by leaves and other debris is a well known problem. Numbers of devices, comprising some form of mesh inserted into, or resting across guttering are available on the market. The mesh collects leaves and debris, whilst allowing rain water to pass through and into the drainage system.

THE PROBLEM

These types of products require lifting out, cleaning off and reinserting when the amount of debris blocks the mesh, preventing water passing through. This can entail an awkward exercise by hand (above head high), or the use of a ladder, scaffolding, or other elevating device.

GUTTER GUARD ESSENTIAL FEATURES

All letters refer to components on the drawings.

The Gutter Guard device, whilst performing the same function as other mesh products, takes away the need to remove and clear accumulated debris, and subsequently replace the mesh. It comprises lengths of a fabric of a mesh material, (with a bevelled, possibly solid, edge) (A), of conveniently manageable lengths widths and dimensions (this will vary depending upon the type of construction of the building and gutter configuration). The lengths of mesh are attached, by means of a fixing mechanism, (preferably a clip, which may be spring loaded)(B), to the front edge of the gutter or associated parts (C) at suitable intervals. The mesh spans the gutter and rests upon the roofmg material. (D). Each length of mesh is attached to the fixing mechanism by a rotating mechanism, (preferably a hinge).(E). At suitable intervals along the front edge of the mesh, or on the hinge, there is a protrusion at an upward angle. (F) When downward pressure is applied to the protrusion either by hand or an implement (G), it causes the length of mesh to flip' upwards, pivoting on the hinge, thereby depositing the accumulated debris downwards. An upward pressure on the protrusion returns the length of mesh to the original position.

INTRODUCTION TO THE DRAWINGS

In each drawing the letters refer to the same components: (A) The mesh fabric. (B) The fixing mechanism. (C) The gutter. ((D) The roofmg material. (E) The hinge. (F) The protrusion. (G) The activation implement.

I

Page Two DRAWING ONE Shows a section view of the Gutter Guard device at rest.

DRAWING TWO Shows an enlarged view of Drawing One DRAWING THREE Shows a section view of the flipping forward' of the lengths of mesh.

DRAWING FOUR Shows a section view of the reverse process of Drawing Three: returning the lengths of mesh to the original position.

DRAWING FIVE Shows the elevation of the Gutter Guard device.

PARTICULAR EXAMPLES

1. Pressure on the protrusion, upwards or downwards, may be applied by hand, or an implement which may be extendable.

2. The roof edge of the mesh may be bevelled and conform to the profile of the roofing material.

3. The dimensions of the Gutter Guard and its components will vary according to the type of gutter and roof.

Claims

PAGE THREE CLAIMS GUTTER GUARD CLAIMS

1. Lengths of a mesh material, attached by a rotating mechanism to one or more fixings to the front edge of a gutter or associated parts, spannning the width of the gutter, and resting upon the roofing material, to collect debris migrating down the roof towards the gutter.

2. Lengths of a mesh material, as claimed in Claim I where the fixing mechanisms may be clips, possibly spring loaded, or a more permanent device

3. Lengths of a mesh material as claimed in Claim I where the rotating mechanism may be a hinge or other suitable pivoting device.

4. Lengths of a mesh material, where the rotating mechanism, as claimed in any preceding Claim, is activated by means of downward or outward pressure on a protrusion connected to the mesh or rotating mechanism, by mechanical or manual means, causing the lengths of mesh to move in an upward direction, thereby depositing the collected debris downwards.

5. Reversal of the process as claimed in Claim 3, returns the lengths of mesh material to the original position.

6. Lengths of a mesh material with fixing, rotating mechanisms and protrusions, as claimed in any preceding Claims, which are made from metal, plastics material or wood, or a combination of these materials.

7. Lengths of a mesh material, attaching and rotating mechanisms and protrusions as claimed in any preceding Claims varying in size and dimension according to the type of gutter and roof.

8. Lengths of a mesh material as claimed in any preceding Claims which may be bevelled and angled, and conform to the profile of the roofmg material.

9. Lengths of a mesh material claimed in any preceding Claims where the number of fixing and rotating mechanisms and protrusions will vary depending upon the dimensions and materials used.