PROTRUDING DRIP EDGE AND ROOF PROTECTION APPARATUS

Abstract

A drip edge and roof protection apparatus that can be used on a building roof to effectively direct water away from the roof and into a gutter system without compromising original shingle installation. The drip edge is designed with a first horizontal member and a second horizontal member, effectively parallel to one another and connected together, that fit under roofing shingles. An open U-shaped throat is configured to fit over an existing drip edge, and a downwardly extending leg (vertical member) with a flexible foot portion, referenced as the drip edge is present. It is compatible with different types of gutter designs and serves to prevent water from seeping between the fascia and the gutter wall, thus safeguarding the building from water damage and avoiding damage to the gutter caused by ice accumulation.

Claims

1. A drip edge apparatus for gutter and roof installations, comprising: a generally planar body having: a first vertical member; a first horizontal member connected to the first vertical member; a first protruding drip edge connected to the first horizontal member; a second vertical member; a second horizontal member connected to the second vertical member; a second protruding drip edge connected to the second horizontal member; and wherein the first vertical member and the second vertical member are connected by an approximate 359-degree turnabout in the material.

2. The drip edge apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first vertical member is inclined to facilitate application of pressure towards an eave of a structure.

3. The drip edge apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first corner disposed at a junction between the first horizontal member and the first vertical member; and a second corner disposed at a junction between the second horizontal member and the second vertical member.

4. The drip edge apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first vertical member is configured to be placed inside a gutter in communication with an interior edge of the gutter.

5. The drip edge apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second vertical member is configured to remain in communication with an eave of a structure.

6. The drip edge apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first protruding drip edge and the second protruding drip edge are configured to sandwich an interior edge of a gutter between them.

7. The drip edge apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of: aluminum, sheet metal, silicone, UV resistant plastic, and vinyl.

8. A method of installing a drip edge apparatus on a roof, comprising: providing a drip edge apparatus having a first vertical member, a first horizontal member, a first protruding drip edge, a second vertical member, a second horizontal member, and a second protruding drip edge; positioning the first vertical member inside a gutter such that it remains in communication with an interior edge of the gutter; positioning the second vertical member in communication with an eave of a structure; and sandwiching the interior edge of the gutter between the first protruding drip edge and the second protruding drip edge.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising notching the drip edge apparatus to accommodate gutter hangers without compromising the efficacy of the drip edge.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising bending a lower portion of the drip edge apparatus around towards a soffit of the roof to prevent gaps on corners of the roof.

11. A drip edge system for protecting roof framing from moisture, comprising: a generally planar body having: a first vertical member; a first horizontal member connected to the first vertical member; a first protruding drip edge connected to the first horizontal member; a second vertical member; a second horizontal member connected to the second vertical member; a second protruding drip edge connected to the second horizontal member; wherein the first vertical member and the second vertical member are connected by a turnabout in the material; and wherein the system is configured to provide a double drip edge when installed on a roof.

12. The drip edge system of claim 11, wherein the first protruding drip edge is configured to supplement or replace a default drip edge of the roof.

13. The drip edge system of claim 11, wherein the system is configured to cover exposed wood between fascia metal and a default drip edge of the roof.

14. The drip edge system of claim 11, wherein the system is configured to prevent gutter water from backing up into a structure in the event of gutter overflow.

15. The drip edge system of claim 11, wherein the system exhibits a low-profile design suitable for commercial installations with larger-than-standard gutters.

16. The drip edge system of claim 11, wherein the system is configured to be effectively invisible when installed on a roof with gutters in position.

17. The drip edge system of claim 12, wherein the system is configured to cover exposed wood between fascia metal and a default drip edge of the roof; and wherein the system is configured to prevent gutter water from backing up into a structure in the event of gutter overflow.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

[0015] The present invention will be better understood with reference to the appended drawing sheets, wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 details a view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention as seen from the side.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention, detailing the design and angles of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 3 shows a view of the side of the apparatus of the present invention as installed on a roof and gutter, detailing the interior edge of the gutter being sandwiched between the two vertical members of the drip edge of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0019] The present specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporate the features of the invention. The disclosed embodiment(s) merely exemplify the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment(s).

[0020] References in the specification to one embodiment, an embodiment, an example embodiment, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment, Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0021] The present invention is a drip edge apparatus configured for use in gutter and roof installations. The present invention is equipped with a generally planar body (10) having a first vertical member (20), a first horizontal member (30), a first protruding drip edge (40). Mirroring this, while connected by an approximate 359-degree turnabout (90) in the material, a second vertical member (60), a second horizontal member (70), and a second protruding drip edge (80) are present. The vertical member (20) is preferably inclined slightly as shown in FIG. 1, to facilitate the application of pressure and/or to ensure that the vertical member (20) always presses towards the eave of the structure. A corner (50) is disposed at a junction between the first horizontal member (30) and the first vertical member (20). Likewise, a corner (50) is also present at a junction between the second horizontal member (70) and the second vertical member (60).

[0022] By nature of the positioning of the apparatus, the protruding drip edges (40, 80) supplements (or replaces if necessary) the default drip edge of the roof (conventionally present via a shingle overhang). Often, the facia metal doesn't extend all the way up to the shingles, as it is really only designed to cover the wood of the structure (roof frame). As such, there is often up to an inch of exposed wood present between the fascia and the default drip edge. It is at this segment of exposed wood that moisture from rain can seep into the structure and cause damage or premature roof wear. Per the implementation of the protruding drip edge (40) of the present invention, the gutter, once installed, is disposed under the protruding drip edge, and the roof and fascia metal maintain its default drip edge, ensuring that it is impossible for the gutter water to back up into the house in the event that the gutter overflows.

[0023] It should be noted that alternate embodiments of the present invention may exhibit different colors, textures, and patterns depicted on the apparatus. Further, alternate embodiments of the present invention may exhibit a longer or shorter vertical members (20, 60) to accommodate differing lengths of eave and/or fascia.

[0024] In proper installations of the present invention, the first vertical member (20), disposed in communication with the first drip edge (40) is configured to be placed inside of the gutter such that it remains in communication with an interior edge of the gutter (the edge closest to the roof of the structure), ensuring any water runs directly into the gutter, and not down the side of the structure. Meanwhile, the second vertical member (60) is configured to remain in communication with the eave (or side of the structure, frame, or roof, depending on installation). The second drip edge (80) the protrudes out towards the gutter, potentially contacting the gutter such that the interior edge of the gutter is sandwiched between the first drip edge (40) and the second drip edge (80) as shown in FIG. 3.

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are preferably constructed out of lightweight metal, such as aluminum or sheet metal. Other embodiments may be fashioned of copper, galvanized steel, or stainless steel. However, some alternate embodiments of the present invention are envisioned that are fashioned of silicone, UV resistant plastic, vinyl, or a similar lightweight material. Other embodiments may have a rubber, rubberized, or silicone component present.

[0026] In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus may exhibit a low-profile design which is ideal for a commercial installation in which the gutters are generally larger and remain level during installation. Further, in larger profile designs of the apparatus of the present invention, gutter installation is made safer for the underlying wood of the structure by design. When gutter hangers are in the way of the natural positioning of the default drip edge, installers may need to notch the traditional drip edge, compromising the underlying wood. In contrast, the apparatus of the present invention could be notched without compromising the efficacy of the drip edge, allowing an easier and safter installation. As with a traditional drip edge, the lower portion of the apparatus may still be bent around towards the soffit of the roof, preventing gaps on the corners of the roof.

[0027] Further, it should be understood that the overall dimensions of the apparatus of the present invention may be variable to account for differing roofing styles. In short, the present invention ensures protection of the roof framing of the structure from moisture while maintaining a functional and pleasing appearance. Installation of the present invention to a roof effectively procures a double drip edge, providing additional security of the roof from moisture in the event that the primary drip edge is compromised. Additionally, the present invention is effectively invisible when installed to a roof once the gutters are in position. It may be noted that the standard length for the drip edge (40) is ten feet, and the angle of the corner (50) present at the junction between the first vertical member (20) and the first horizontal member (30) is preferably 90 degrees, as shown in FIG. 2. However, there are several variations of style and shape that could be used. These variations may depend on the pitch of the roof, or other conditions that are unique to the specific installation.

[0028] Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the scope of this application.

[0029] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.