GUTTER SUPPORTING DEVICE

Abstract

Disclosed is a device to support a gutter that is extending along a roof fascia. The device includes a vertical support portion, an upper forward portion, a horizontal support portion, and an aperture. The vertical support portion is adapted to support the exterior surface of the gutter. The vertical support portion includes a proximal end and a distal end. The upper forward portion is extending from the proximal end of the vertical support portion adapted to retain a top inner portion of the gutter. The horizontal support portion is extending from the distal end of the vertical support portion adapted to support an underside portion of the gutter. The aperture is defined in the vertical support portion to receive a screw to positionally affix the vertical support portion with respect to the gutter.

Claims

1. A device to support a gutter that is extending along a roof fascia, comprising: a vertical support portion adapted to support an exterior surface of the gutter, wherein the vertical support portion comprises a proximal end, and a distal end; an upper forward portion extending from the proximal end of the vertical support portion adapted to retain a top inner portion of the gutter; a horizontal support portion extending from the distal end of the vertical support portion adapted to support an underside portion of the gutter; and an aperture defined in the vertical portion to receive a screw to positionally affix the vertical portion with respect to the gutter.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the vertical support portion has a length of about 5 inches.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the upper forward portion extends about inches to inches from the proximal end of the vertical support portion.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the upper forward portion is inclined downward at an angle of about 45 degrees from the proximal end of the vertical support portion.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the upper forward portion slidingly engages the top inner portion of the gutter and includes a radial connection to the vertical support portion comprising a minimum radius equal to or exceeding a material thickness of the horizontal support portion.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal support portion has a length of about 2 inches.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal support portion is positioned at about 90 degrees from the distal end of the vertical support portion.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the vertical support portion, the upper forward portion, and the horizontal support portion have a thickness of about inches.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the vertical support portion, the upper forward portion, and the horizontal support portion have a width of about 2 inches.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the vertical support portion, the upper forward portion, and the horizontal support portion are arranged in a T-shape form.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the vertical support portion, the upper forward portion, and the horizontal support portion are constructed from one or more of: a metal, and an alloy to provide strength, stability, and durability.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the aperture is adaptable to receive the screw that has a dimension of about 5 to 6 inches.

13. A device for use with a roof fascia for supporting a gutter, comprising: a vertical support portion adapted to securely support an exterior surface of the gutter, wherein the vertical support portion comprises a proximal end and a distal end; an upper forward portion extending from the proximal end of the vertical support portion, the upper forward portion configured to retain and guide a top inner portion of the gutter; and a horizontal support portion extending from the distal end of the vertical support portion, wherein the horizontal support portion is configured to provide support to an underside portion of the gutter, wherein the vertical support portion, the upper forward portion, and the horizontal support portion are coated with a weather-resistant material to protect against corrosion and environmental wear.

14. The device according to claim 13, comprises an aperture that is defined in the vertical support portion to receive and engage a screw for securing the vertical support portion with respect to the gutter.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the aperture includes a threaded bore to securely engage with the screw and prevent loosening due to one or more external events.

16. The device according to claim 13, wherein the horizontal support portion comprises one or more of a ribbed surface and a textured surface to enhance a grip and stability between the device and the underside portion of the gutter.

17. The device according to claim 13, wherein the horizontal support portion comprises a flat surface for evenly distributing the weight of the gutter and facilitating efficient water drainage.

18. The device according to claim 13, wherein the upper forward portion is inclined downward at an angle of about 45 degrees from the proximal end of the vertical support portion.

19. The device according to claim 13, wherein the vertical support portion has a length of about 5 inches, and the horizontal support portion has a length of about 2 inches.

20. The device according to claim 13, wherein the vertical support portion, the upper forward portion, and the horizontal support portion have a thickness of about inches and a width of about 2 inches.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and/or components other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and/or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and/or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, depending on the context, singular and plural terminology may be used interchangeably.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a front view of a device to support a gutter that is extending along a roof fascia, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a side view of the device, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an upper forward portion that retains the top inner portion of the gutter, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0035] FIGS. 4-5 are assembled views of the device supporting the gutter, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 6 depicts an aperture defined in the vertical support portion to receive a screw, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the disclosure are shown, and not intended to be limiting.

[0038] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a device that primarily focuses on preventing damage and deterioration that can occur to the gutters, fascia boards, and sub-fascia over time. The device of the present disclosure is designed to prevent gutters, fascia boards, and sub-fascia from detaching from the dwelling. This is crucial as detached components can lead to water damage, structural issues, and costly repairs. The device also tackles the problem of gutter sagging due to excessive weight. By using the provided brackets, the gutter system is supported effectively, preventing sagging, and maintaining proper water drainage. The device of the present disclosure is especially relevant for homes built after 1995 when construction companies began using staples instead of siding nails to install fascia boards. This change in construction methods introduced new challenges, which this device addresses by ensuring the secure attachment of components. Further, the device of the present disclosure has the potential to save homeowners significant amounts of money in the long run. By preventing destruction to fascia and soffit, it mitigates the need for costly repairs and replacements, contributing to overall cost savings.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a front view of a device 100 to support a gutter that is extending along a roof fascia, in accordance with at least one embodiment. The device 100 includes a vertical support portion 102, an upper forward portion 104, a horizontal support portion 106, and an aperture 108. In an embodiment, the vertical support portion 102, the upper forward portion 104, and the horizontal support portion 106 are constructed from either a metal, or an alloy to provide strength, stability, and durability.

[0040] According to an embodiment herein, the horizontal support portion 106 has either a ribbed surface or a textured surface to enhance grip and stability between the device and the underside portion of the gutter 302 (shown in FIG. 3). In another embodiment, the horizontal support portion 106 may include a flat surface configured to evenly distribute the weight of the gutter 302 and facilitate efficient water drainage by maintaining a desired drainage slope along the water pathway (e.g., interior channel) of the gutter 302 when installed with the device 100. In another embodiment, the upper forward portion 104 may include a flexible or spring-loaded mechanism to facilitate easy insertion and removal of the top inner portion of the gutter 302.

[0041] According to other aspects, the upper forward portion 104 may be integral with the vertical support portion 102 and manufactured using metal forming processes that introduce a holding angle that may range from 40 degrees to 50 degrees with respect to the vertical support portion 102. In a preferred embodiment, the internal angle is 45 degrees as shown in FIG. 1. The internal angle of the forward portion 104 and the vertical support portion 102 is configured to allow optimal holding pressure on a gutter lip or edge such that the gutter position is maintained without regard to the presence of water or debris that may cause the gutter 302 to be heavy.

[0042] According to another aspect, the angular connecting point between the forward portion 104 and the vertical support portion 102 may include a radial portion having a dimension having a minimum of the material thickness of the vertical support portion 102 and the horizontal support portion 106. The radial dimension having a minimum radius equal to or exceeding the material thickness (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) provides structural strength to the connection of the device 100 and the gutter 302 as the upper forward portion 104 slidingly engages the top inner portion of the gutter 302 when installed.

[0043] The material thickness of about is determined to be an optimal material thickness for the upper forward portion 104 that provides stability while minimizing material weight and cost due to unnecessarily proportioned component thickness. In some aspects, the material thickness may exceed or be less than the stated material thickness by 10% while maintaining material holding integrity when in use.

[0044] Conventional gutter holding devices may pull away from the fascia or other structure to which the gutter is installed. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the minimum radial dimension and angle between the forward portion 104 and the vertical support portion 102 provides structural integrity and even distribution of torsional forces experienced from a gutter filled with water and/or debris.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a side view of the device, in accordance with at least one embodiment. FIG. 2 is explained in conjunction with FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the vertical support portion 102 has a length of about 5 inches. In an embodiment, the upper forward portion 104 extends about inches to inches from the proximal end of the vertical support portion 102. In an embodiment, the upper forward portion 104 is inclined downward at an angle of about 45 degrees from the proximal end of the vertical support portion 102. In an embodiment, the horizontal support portion 106 has a length of about 2 inches. In an embodiment, the horizontal support portion 106 is positioned at about 90 degrees from the distal end of the vertical support portion 102. In an embodiment, the vertical support portion 102, the upper forward portion 104, and the horizontal support portion 106 have a thickness of about inch. In an embodiment, the vertical support portion 102, the upper forward portion 104, and the horizontal support portion 106 have a width of about 2 inches.

[0046] In another aspect, the vertical support portion 102, the upper forward portion 104, and the horizontal support portion 106 are coated with a weather-resistant material to protect against corrosion and environmental wear. For example, Teflon, acrylic, enamel, an anodized layer, or another surface coating is contemplated, among other possible coatings. According to an embodiment herein, the device 100 is made of a durable and lightweight material, such as reinforced plastic, aluminum, or steel.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an upper forward portion that retains the top inner portion of the gutter 302, in accordance with at least one embodiment. FIG. 3 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1-2. The upper forward portion 104 may slidingly engage a top inner portion of the gutter 302. The vertical support portion 102 is adapted to support the exterior surface of the gutter. The vertical support portion 102 includes a proximal end and a distal end. The upper forward portion 104 is extending from the proximal end of the vertical support portion 102 adapted to retain a top inner portion of the gutter 302. The horizontal support portion 106 may extend from the distal end of the vertical support portion 102 adapted to support an underside portion of the gutter 302.

[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates a gutter portion 302 positioned at an angle during installation into a mounted example device 100 in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 4 is explained in conjunction with FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the gutter 302 may rest on the horizontal support portion 106 as it is twisted into an installed position as shown in FIG. 5. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the device 100 provides for ease of installation of the gutter 302 without the need of additional tools or levers. Accordingly, the horizontal support portion 106 (as illustrated in FIG. 1) is depicted in FIG. 6 as extending past the bottom corner of a gutter 302 such that the gutter 302 may be rotated into position such that the upper forward portion 104 (as shown in FIG. 1, not shown in FIG. 4) slidingly engages the top inner portion of the gutter 302 (illustrated in FIG. 3).

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the device 100 may include a plurality of alignment markers or indicators (not shown in FIG. 4) on the vertical support portion 102 to assist in aligning the device 100 with the gutter 302 during installation.

[0050] FIG. 5 depicts an assembled view of the device 100 supporting the gutter 302, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0051] FIG. 6 depicts the aperture defined in the vertical support portion disposed to receive a fastener 600, in accordance with at least one embodiment. The aperture 108 is defined in the vertical support portion 102 to receive a fastener 600 to positionally affix the vertical support portion 102 with respect to the gutter 302 by vertically translating supporting gutter weight forces to the fascia at a predetermined point that optimizes load bearing strength with material efficiency and durability.

[0052] In an embodiment, the aperture 108 is adaptable to receive the screw that has a dimension of about 5 to 6 inches in screw length, which allows adequate thread engagement to to withstand pull-out forces and adequate shear strength to withstand significant shear forces acting on the fastener 600 due to gutter weight when filled with water. According to an embodiment, the aperture 108 may include a threaded bore (not shown) to securely engage with the fastener 600 and prevent loosening due to external events such as vibrations. In other aspects, the aperture 108 may include a through hole having no threads as depicted in FIG. 6.

[0053] Thus, the present device provides a comprehensive solution to various issues associated with the gutter systems and their components by increasing stability and longevity gutter systems.

[0054] All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their ordinary meanings as understood by those knowledgeable in the technologies described herein unless an explicit indication to the contrary is made herein. In particular, the use of the singular article such as a, the, said, etc. should be read to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary. Conditional language, such as, among others, can, could, might, or may, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments could include, while other embodiments may not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

[0055] In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.