VALLEY FLOW CONTROLLER

Abstract

A flow controller for controlling flow from a roof valley of a roof into adjoining gutters on edges of the roof valley, the controller including a base having a distal end, a proximal end and longitudinal sides connecting the distal end and proximal end, the base having a plane base portion bounded by the distal end with a substantially plane shape, wherein the distal end is disposed so that with the controller installed to the roof, or adjoining gutters on edges of the roof valley, the distal end is located toward the roof, and the proximal end is located away from the roof, and toward a front edge of the adjoining gutters, wherein the proximal end has a form that describes an included angle, edges of the included angle being generally aligned with the adjoining gutters.

Claims

1. A flow controller for controlling flow from a roof valley of a roof into adjoining gutters on edges of the roof valley, the flow controller comprising: a base having a distal end, a proximal end and longitudinal sides connecting the distal end and proximal end, the base having a plane base portion bounded by the distal end with a substantially plane shape, wherein the distal end is disposed so that with the flow controller installed to the roof, or adjoining gutters on edges of the roof valley, the distal end is located toward the roof, and the proximal end is located away from the roof, and toward a front edge of the adjoining gutters; wherein the proximal end has a form that describes an included angle, edges of the included angle being generally aligned with the adjoining gutters; and wherein the proximal end has a demi-bullnose shape between the plane base portion and edges of the included angle, and a cleft that extends through the demi-bullnose shape from the plane base portion to an apex of the included angle, forming a flow channel with opposite channel walls that separate and respectively intersect sections of the demi-bullnose shape aligned with edges of the included angle.

2. The flow controller of claim 1, wherein the opposite channel walls are angled with respect to each other so that the flow channel has a general V shape.

3. The flow controller of claim 2, wherein the opposite channel walls of the flow channel are separate and distinct from the edges of included angle of the proximal end, and the general V shape is separate and distinct from the included angle.

4. The flow controller of claim 1, wherein the flow channel has a channel bottom disposed at an angle that intersects the plane base portion offset from the demi-bullnose shape and intersects the edges of the included angle proximate lowermost edge of the proximal end.

5. The flow controller of claim 1, wherein each of the plane base portion, the demi-bullnose shape and flow channel, respectively define at least three separate and distinct flow ways controlling flow from the roof valley collecting into the adjoining gutters.

6. The flow controller of claim 1, wherein the plane base portion defines a first flow, the demi-bullnose shape portion defines a second flow, and the flow channel defines a third flow, each of the first flow, the second flow and the third flow being separate and distinct from each other and directed to substantially separate and distinct portions of the adjoining gutters.

7. The flow controller of claim 1, wherein each of the plane base portion, the demi-bullnose shape and flow channel, respectively operate to control the flow from the roof valley and respectively distribute the flow to at least three separate and distinct flow ways formed by the flow controller.

8. The flow controller of claim 1, wherein the demi-bullnose shape is smooth, from transition at the plane base portion, with a convexity commensurate with guiding flow over the demi-bullnose shape so that flow adheres to and wets the surface of the demi-bullnose shape without substantial separation along the demi-bullnose shape.

9. The flow controller of claim 1, wherein the plane base portion mates to or interfaces a gutter cover of the adjoining gutters at the longitudinal sides of the flow controller.

10. The flow controller of claim 1, wherein the demi-bullnose shape, the flow channel and edges of the included angle in the proximal end are disposed so as to direct flow to a collection channel of the adjoining gutters underlying a gutter cover of the adjoining gutters.

11. A method for controlling flow from a roof valley of a roof into adjoining gutters on edges of the roof valley, the method comprising: providing a flow controller having a base with a distal end, a proximal end and longitudinal sides connecting the distal end and proximal end, the base having a plane base portion bounded by the distal end with a substantially plane shape, wherein the distal end is disposed so that with the flow controller installed to the roof, or adjoining gutters on edges of the roof valley, the distal end is located toward the roof, and the proximal end is located away from the roof, and toward a front edge of the adjoining gutters, wherein the proximal end has a form that describes an included angle, edges of the included angle being generally aligned with the adjoining gutters, and wherein the proximal end has a demi-bullnose shape between the plane base portion and edges of the included angle, and a cleft that extends through the demi-bullnose shape from the plane base portion to an apex of the included angle, forming a flow channel with opposite channel walls that separate and respectively intersect sections of the demi-bullnose shape aligned with edges of the included angle effecting controlling flow from the roof valley over each of the plane base portion, the demi-bullnose shape and flow channel and collecting into the adjoining gutters.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising angling the opposite channel walls with respect to each other so that the flow channel has a general V shape.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the opposite channel walls of the flow channel are separate and distinct from the edges of included angle of the proximal end, and the general V shape is separate and distinct from the included angle.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the flow channel has a channel bottom disposed at an angle that intersects the plane base portion offset from the demi-bullnose shape and intersects the edges of the included angle proximate lowermost edge of the proximal end.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein each of the plane base portion, the demi-bullnose shape and flow channel, respectively define at least three separate and distinct flow ways for controlling flow from the roof valley collecting into the adjoining gutters.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the plane base portion defines a first flow, the demi-bullnose shape portion defines a second flow, and the flow channel defines a third flow, each of the first flow, the second flow and the third flow being separate and distinct from each other and directed to substantially separate and distinct portions of the adjoining gutters.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein each of the plane base portion, the demi-bullnose shape and flow channel, respectively operating to control the flow from the roof valley and respectively distributing the flow to at least three separate and distinct flow ways formed by the flow controller.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the demi-bullnose shape is smooth, from transition at the plane base portion, with a convexity commensurate with guiding flow over the demi-bullnose shape with the flow adhering to and wetting the surface of the demi-bullnose shape without substantial separation along the demi-bullnose shape.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising mating the plane base portion to or interfacing a gutter cover of the adjoining gutters at the longitudinal sides of the flow controller.

20. The method of claim 11, further comprising disposing the demi-bullnose shape, the flow channel and edges of the included angle in the proximal end so as to direct flow to a collection channel of the adjoining gutters underlying a gutter cover of the adjoining gutters.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The foregoing aspects and other features of the present disclosure are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0006] FIG. 1 is an exemplary illustration of a gutter system in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0007] FIGS. 2A and 2B are exemplary illustrations of a portion of the gutter system of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0008] FIGS. 3A and 3B are exemplary illustrations of a portion of the gutter system of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0009] FIG. 4 is an exemplary illustration of a portion of the gutter system of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 5 is an exemplary illustration of a portion of the gutter system of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 6 is an exemplary illustration of a portion of the gutter system of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 7 is an exemplary illustration of a portion of the gutter system of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure; and

[0013] FIG. 8 is an exemplary illustration of a method of the gutter system of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The following detailed description is meant to assist the understanding of one skilled in the art, and is not intended in any way to unduly limit claims connected or related to the present disclosure.

[0015] The following detailed description references various figures, where like reference numbers refer to like components and features across various figures, whether specific figures are referenced, or not.

[0016] The word each as used herein refers to a single object (i.e., the object) in the case of a single object or each object in the case of multiple objects. The words a, an, and the as used herein are inclusive of at least one and one or more so as not to limit the noun being referred to as being in its singular form.

[0017] FIGS. 1 and 2A-2B are an illustration of a gutter system 10 in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment. Although the aspects of the disclosed embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that the aspects of the disclosed embodiment can be embodied in many forms. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used. It should be understood that the disclosed embodiment may be employed with a variety of roof structures. The roof 16 illustrated is for exemplary purposes and the application of the disclosed embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0018] In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment the gutter system 10 includes a gutter 101 mounted on and against a side of a building 14 that includes a sloping roof surface 16 and vertically-extending fascia board 12. The roof 16 is covered with overlapping rows of shingles that generally extends past the fascia board 12. The lower eave edge 18 of the roof surface 16 extends outwardly beyond the surface of fascia board 12 a predetermined distance, e.g., about 1 inch to about 2 inches or more, and the gutter 101 is generally positioned below the roof lower eave edge 18 to catch water runoff from the roof 16. It is noted that other materials besides shingles may cover the roof, such as metal, etc.

[0019] The gutter system 10 (as seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B) further includes a flow controller 100. The flow controller 100 is configured for controlling flow of rainwater concentrated in roof valley 17 of the roof 16 into adjoining gutters 101 on the lower eave edges 18 of the roof 16. The flow controller 100 generally includes a base 110 having at least a distal end 115 and a proximal end 120, with the distal end 115 being located toward the top of the roof 16, and the proximal end 120 being located away from the roof 16 toward a front edge 30 of the adjoining gutter 101. The proximal end 120 has a form that describes an included angle 125 being generally aligned with the adjoining gutter 101. The proximal end 120 has a demi-bullnose shape 130 between the base 110 and eave edges 125E of the included angle 125, and a cleft 135 that extends through the demi-bullnose shape 130 from the base 110 to an apex 126 of the included angle 125, forming a flow channel 136 with opposite channel walls 137, 138 that separate and respectively intersect sections of the demi-bullnose shape 130 aligned with eave edges 125E of the included angle 125. The base 110, demi bullnose shaped end 130, and cleft 135 respectively operate to control the flow of rainwater from the roof valley 17 and respectively define at least three separate and distinct flow ways controlling flow of rainwater and debris from the roof valley 17 collecting into the adjoining gutters 101.

[0020] Still referring to FIG. 1, the gutter 101 has a generally U-shaped, open-top collection channel 20 that is defined by a rear wall 22, a bottom wall 24, and a front wall 26. In one aspect, the rear wall 22 is substantially flat and is configured to abut the outer surface of fascia board 12 (the outer surface being the surface facing away from the building 14). The gutter 101 is secured to the fascia board 12 by a number of spaced fasteners 28, such as screws, nails, or the like, as shown in FIG. 1. In one aspect, the bottom wall 24 is substantially flat and extends outwardly from a lower edge 22L of the rear wall 22 (i.e., extends away from fascia board 12, and is substantially perpendicular thereto). In one aspect, the front wall 26 extends generally upwardly from the outermost edge 24L of the bottom wall 24. In some aspects, the rear wall 22, bottom wall 24, and front wall 26 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as, concave, convex, etc. For example, as can be seen from FIG. 1, in one aspect, the front wall 26 has a cross section in the general form of a flattened S, however, is not limited thereto and may be any suitable shape, such as straight and extending upwardly parallel to or inclined relative to the rear wall 22. The front wall 26 has a vertical extent that is less than that of the rear wall 22, however, the height is not limited thereto and may be equal to or greater than the rear wall 22. The front edge 30 of front wall 26 includes an inwardly-extending lip 32 that terminates at a reentrant edge 34 or flange that extends in a generally outward direction to define a hook-shaped structure.

[0021] The rear wall 22, bottom wall 24, and front wall 26 forming the collection channel 20 can be constructed from various well-known gutter materials, including metals such as copper, aluminum alloy, or the like, as well as from plastics. The collection channel 20 may be formed into a continuous, seamless gutter section of any desired length. When made from a plastic material, such as polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or the like, the gutter can be pre-formed by extrusion of the plastic material through a suitably shaped extrusion die, cut into desired lengths, and transported to the building site. However, such plastic gutters might not be seamless, depending upon the lengths of the individual gutter sections and the length of the roof eave edge under which they are to be mounted. Metal gutters may be prefabricated or sheets may be bent on site to form the gutter sections.

[0022] In some aspects, the gutter 101 includes a gutter cover 36 that may be secured to one or more of the rear wall 22, a support bracket 38, the fascia board 12, etc. The gutter cover 36 is generally configured for controlling the flow of rainwater from the roof 16 into the gutters 101 and substantially preventing leaves, twigs, sticks, and any other debris from entering the collection channel 20. In areas such as the roof valley 17, however, leaves can become entrapped before reaching the gutter cover 36 such that the flow controller 100 is suitable for controlling flow of rainwater and debris from the roof valley 17 of the roof 16 into adjoining gutters 101 as will be further detailed herein. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the gutter cover 36 is secured to both the gutter rear wall 22 and the fascia board 12 by fasteners 28. A plurality of support brackets 38 are positioned within the collection channel 20 and are spaced from each other along the length of gutter 101 at predetermined intervals. The support brackets 38 support the collection channel 20 and gutter cover 36 to provide a strong, rigid gutter assembly. The gutter cover 36 may be formed of the same material or different material than the walls 22, 24, 26 of the gutter 101 and have a width substantially similar to that of the collection channel 20 such that the gutter cover 36 extends from the rear wall 22 to the front end 30 of the gutter 101. The gutter cover 36, which serves as a deflector of leaves, branches, twigs, and other forms of debris, is a substantially flat, elongated panel that extends from the rear wall 22 to a cover forward end 104, to overlie the collection channel 20 and forms a gap 33 between the forward end 104 of the gutter cover 36 and the front edge 30 of the gutter 101. In order to maintain a planar, downward and outward slope, the gutter cover 36 can be bent at a suitable angle as needed longitudinally causing debris and any water that does not pass through the gap 33 to flow over or out beyond the outboard gutter wall 26. The forward end 104 curves inwardly into collection channel 20 forming a convexly-curved front surface that has an inner end that is bent to extend in a downward direction toward the bottom wall 24. The gap 33 allows water to flow into the collection channel 20 between the forward end 104 of the gutter cover 36 and the front edge 30 of the gutter 101. The gap 33 defines an opening of the order of from about 0.25 in. to about 0.5 in. (but may be more or less), which is sufficiently large to allow entry of water into the gutter while substantially preventing the entry of leaves and other debris into the gutters 101. FIG. 1 illustrates the gutter cover 36 installed over the gutter 101 which is secured to the fascia board 12 of a roof 16.

[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 2A-7 the flow controller 100 of the present disclosed embodiment is illustrated. The flow controller 100 is provided and configured to control the flow of rainwater from roof 16 of building 14 into adjoining gutters 101 disposed at the eave edge of the roof 16. The flow controller 100 is further configured as a water and debris separator for, e.g., the roof valley(s) 17 of the roof 16 in cooperation with the adjoining gutters 10 and any leaf guard (for example, the flow controller 100 may be installed in conjunction with the gutter cover 36 to cooperate in separating water and debris and to enable more efficient water flow in, e.g., the roof valley(s) 17). The gutter 101, gutter cover 36, and flow controller 100 collectively may be referred to as the gutter system 10.

[0024] As noted above, the flow controller 100 generally includes the base 110 having distal end 115, proximal end 120 and longitudinal sides 140A, 140B connecting the distal end 115 and proximal end 120. The base 110 has a plane base portion 110P bounded by the distal end 115 with a substantially plane shape and is made of any suitable material, such as sheet aluminum, semi-rigid plastic sheet material, etc. The distal end 115 is disposed so that with the flow controller 100 installed to the roof, the distal end 115 is located toward the roof 16, and the proximal end 120 is located away from the roof 16, and toward a front edge of the adjoining gutters 101 (i.e., The flow controller 100 extends along a roof valley(s) 17 at a roof corner from the gutters 101 toward the top of the roof 16). It can be seen that the base 110 has a top (upper) surface and an under side (lower or bottom surface). Any accumulated debris on the upper surface tends to be washed down the valley toward the proximal end 120 as rainwater and debris runs off the roof. Momentum carries the rainwater and debris from the base 110 and over the proximal end 120 to the gutter cover 36 of the adjoining gutters 101.

[0025] The plane base portion 110P is generally a longitudinally extended frame with longitudinal sides 140A, 140B extending between the distal end 115 and the proximal end 120 and has a predetermined width W representing the overall width of the flow controller 100. The plane base portion 110P has a top surface 111 and a bottom surface 112 (FIGS. 3A and 3B), such that when the flow controller 100 is installed on the roof 16, the top surface 111 is oriented towards the sky and bottom surface 112 is oriented towards the roof 16. In one aspect, the plane base portion 110P of the base 110 is perforated with a plurality of intermittent apertures 113 arranged in any suitable manner. Each aperture 113 is a hole/perforation/slot through the base 110 which has an opening to allow rain water therethrough, but is small enough to block most debris from passing through or catching and clogging therein. In one aspect, the apertures 113 are aligned in laterally spaced rows, with the apertures 113 in each row being staggered relative to the apertures 113 in adjacent rows. In this way, water that flows over the base 110 will be directed into the apertures 113. The apertures 113 channel water flowing over the top surface to an area under the base 110 free of debris. The shape and relative dimensions of the aperture 113 effect the flowing water in terms of encouraging capillary flow through the apertures 113 while also breaking up sheeting of the water on the base 110.

[0026] In one aspect, the longitudinal sides 140A, 140B are substantially equal in length, having any suitable length L. It is noted that the flow controller 100 may have any suitable length, width, and thickness adaptable for different roofing styles. A longitudinal axis 141 extends between the longitudinal sides 140A, 140B, where the flow controller 100 is generally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 141. The plane base portion 110P mates to or interfaces the gutter cover 36 of the adjoining gutters 101 at the longitudinal sides 140A, 140B of the flow controller 100. The two longitudinal side walls 142, 143 of the flow controller 100 extend downward from the plane base portion 110P of the base 110 with the flow controller installed on the roof 16. The sidewalls 142 143 are configured to support the longitudinal sides 140A, 140B of the base 110 above the surface of the roof 16. The first sidewall 142 extends downward from the first longitudinal side edge 140A of the base 110. In one aspect, the first sidewall 142 extends the length of the first longitudinal side edge 140A from the proximal end 120 to the distal end 115. In other aspects, the first sidewall 142 extends only a portion of the first longitudinal side edge 140A from the proximal end 120 and terminating at a point along the first longitudinal side edge 140A. The first sidewall 142 may be generally rectangular or may taper (decrease in height) from a height at the proximal end 120 to a lesser dimension at the point of termination along the first longitudinal side edge 140A. In one aspect, the first sidewall 142 may be segmented into several distinct vertical tabs. The vertical tabs are spaced from one another for allowing water to pass through the first sidewall 142 from outside of the flow controller 100 to underneath the base 110. The vertical tabs may be configured to screen out debris (i.e., debris remains outside of the flow controller 110 and does not end up underneath the base 110). In this regard, the spaces between the vertical tabs function like the apertures 113 in the plane base portion 110P.

[0027] The second sidewall 143 extends downward from the second longitudinal side edge 140B of the base 110. In one aspect, the second sidewall 143 the length of the second longitudinal side edge 140B from the proximal end 120 to the distal end 115. In other aspects, the second sidewall 143 extends only a portion of the second longitudinal side edge 140B from the proximal end 120 and terminating at a point along the second longitudinal side edge 140B. The second sidewall 143 may be generally rectangular or taper (decrease in height) from a height at the proximal end 120 to a lesser dimension at the point of termination along the second longitudinal side edge 140B. Similar to the first sidewall 142, the second sidewall 143 may be segmented into several distinct vertical tabs. The vertical tabs may be configured to screen out debris (i.e., debris remains outside of the flow controller 110 and does not end up underneath the base 110).

[0028] As seen in FIGS. 3A-5, a portion of each sidewall 142 and 143 extends from the distal end 115 of the flow controller 100 for a distance towards the front eave edges 121, 122 of the flow controller 100. This portion of the sidewalls 142 and 143 is configured to interface with the roof 16 to seat the flow controller on the roof 16 and support the base 110. A portion of each sidewall 142, 143 may be trimmed to conform to the plane of the roof 16, tapering to a zero height toward the distal end 115 so that the flow controller 100 may be installed in any roof valley with any angle or pitch between the adjacent roof sections and a roof 16. The dimensions of the sidewalls 142, 143 are designed to accommodate typical shingle and gutter dimensions but can be reduced by an installer of the flow controller 100 based on the style and dimensions of the roof where the flow controller 100 is being installed. The distal end 115 of the flow controller 100 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 141, such that the distal end 115 is substantially square. In other aspects, the distal end 115 may be any suitable shape, such as rounded, triangular, trapezoidal (where a portion of each corner is removed or rounded), etc. The distal end 115 is generally shaped in order to seat the flow controller 100 in the roof valley(s) 17.

[0029] The proximal end 120 of the flow controller 100 has a form that describes an included angle 125, first and second eave edges 121, 122 of the included angle 125 being generally aligned with the adjoining gutters 101. The first front eave edge portion 121 extends from first longitudinal side 140A toward the longitudinal axis 141 and defines an edge of a first demi bullnose wall 123. The second front eave edge portion 122 extends from second longitudinal edge 140B toward the longitudinal axis 141 and defines an edge of a second demi bullnose wall 124. The first front eave edge portion 121 meets the second front eave edge portion 122 and forms the included angle 125 therewith. In one aspect, the included angle 125 is an approximately 90 degree angle (hence the V-shape of the overall front eave edge 121/122); while in other aspects, the included angle 125 may be any suitable angle greater than or less than 90 degrees. This angle is generally intended to match the degree angle of the inside corner formed by two adjacent roof eave edges below the roof valley 17, and the gutters 101 associated therewith.

[0030] Still referring to FIGS. 2A-7, the two demi bullnose walls 123 and 124 extend down from the plane base portion 110P and constitute two portions of the proximal end 120 of the flow controller 100. Each demi bullnose wall 123, 124 has a demi-bullnose shape that extends between the plane base portion 110P and eave edges 121, 122 of the included angle 125. The demi-bullnose shape is smooth, from transition at the plane base portion 110P, with a convexity commensurate with guiding flow over the demi-bullnose shape so that flow adheres to and wets the surface of the demi-bullnose shape without substantial separation along the demi-bullnose shape and debris will be ejected straight off the front of the controller 100 over the proximal end 120. A first demi bullnose wall portion 123 extends downward from plane base portion 110P to the first front eave edge portion 121 of the included angle 125 and has a demi bullnose shape. The first demi bullnose wall portion 123 extends from approximately the first side wall 140A to the longitudinal axis 141. The first demi bullnose wall portion 123 has an overall length corresponding to the length of the first front eave edge portion 121, and has a height H1.

[0031] The second demi bullnose wall portion 124 extends downward from the plane base portion 110P to the second front eave edge portion 122 of the included angle 125 and has a demi bullnose shape. The second demi bullnose wall portion 124 extends from approximately the second side wall 140B to the longitudinal axis 141. The second demi bullnose wall portion 124 has an overall length corresponding to the length of the second front eave edge portion 122, and has a height H2 (substantially equal to the height of the first demi bullnose wall 123). The demi bullnose wall portions 123/124 are dimensioned to a height providing vertical separation from the gutter cover 36 below the roof eave edge.

[0032] As best viewed in FIGS. 1 and 6, the demi bullnose wall portions 123 and 124 meet at the longitudinal axis 141, and form a cleft 135. The cleft 135 extends through the demi-bullnose shape between the two demi bullnose walls 123, 124 from the plane base portion 110P to the apex 126 of the included angle 125. The cleft 135 forms a flow channel 136 with opposite channel walls 137, 138 that separate and respectively intersect sections of the demi-bullnose shape aligned with eave edges of the included angle 125. The opposite channel walls 137, 138 are angled with respect to each other so that the flow channel 136 has a general V shape. The opposite channel walls of the flow channel are separate and distinct from the eave edges of included angle of the proximal end, and the general V shape is separate and distinct from the included angle 125. The flow channel 136 has a channel bottom disposed at an angle that intersects the plane base portion 110P offset from the demi-bullnose shape and intersects the eave edges of the included angle 125 proximate lowermost edge of the proximal end 120.

[0033] The rainwater running down along the demi bullnose shaped end 130 and cleft 135 will flow over the gutter cover 36 and pass through the gap 33 to enter the collection channel 20. Each of the plane base portion 110P, the demi bullnose walls 123, 124 and flow channel 136, respectively define at least three separate and distinct flow ways controlling flow from the roof valley 17 collecting into the adjoining gutters 101. The plane base portion 110P defines a first flow, the demi bullnose walls 123, 124 define a second flow, and the flow channel 136 defines a third flow, each of the first flow, the second flow and the third flow being separate and distinct from each other and directed to substantially separate and distinct portions of the adjoining gutters 101. Each of the plane base portion 110P, the demi bullnose walls 123, 124 and flow channel 136, respectively operate to control the flow from the roof valley 17 and respectively distribute the flow to at least three separate and distinct flow ways formed by the flow controller 100.

[0034] A method of install and use of the flow controller 100 on a roof 16 of a building 14 is now described, and reference is made to at least FIGS. 1, 2A-2B, and 8. The flow controller 100 is provided and configured to control the flow of water from a roof surface 16 (which may be two adjoining roof surfaces) into guttering 101, which may be one or more gutters disposed at bottom edge(s) 18 of the roof surface(s) 16. The flow controller 100 may be trimmed in a prescribed way during installation so that it performs its functions in a desired shaped and sized roof valley 17. Generally, for a common roof valley 17, two sections of roof meet at an angle and form a valley. Gutters 101 are installed at the outer edges of the two roof sections, and a flow controller 100 described hereinabove is installed in the valley 17.

[0035] When the flow controller 100 is provided having base 110 with proximal end 120 having demi-bullnose shape between the base 110 and edges of the proximal end 120, and flow channel 136 that extends through the demi-bullnose shape (FIG. 8, Block 800). The flow controller 100 is installed in the roof valley 17. The flow controller 100 may be installed flat or deformed into a laterally concave or convex shape, being lower or higher in the center along the longitudinal axis 141, than at longitudinal sides 140A, 140B. The flow controller 100 is fixed and secured in place extending from the roof valley 17 over the roof edge 18 and to the gutter cover 36 of the gutters 101. When the flow controller 100 is installed in a roof valley 17, the two demi bullnose walls 123 and 124 are positioned above the gutter cover 36. The two demi bullnose walls 123 and 124 provide a waterfall with the flow adhering to and wetting the surface of the demi-bullnose shape without substantial separation along the demi-bullnose shape.

[0036] Regardless of valley type, the installer can trim any portion of the flow controller 100 such as the walls 142, 143, or distal end 115 so that the flow controller 100 tapers in height to lie flat against the roof. The flow controller 100 effects controlling water flow from the roof valley over each of the base, the demi-bullnose shape and flow channel and collecting into the adjoining gutters preventing excessive lateral splashing (FIG. 8, Block 801). If used in conjunction with a gutter cover 36, two demi bullnose walls 123 and 124 are positioned above the gutter cover 36 for water and debris to flow over the two demi bullnose walls 123 and 124 onto the gutter cover 36.

[0037] The sidewalls 142 and 143 have tabs, extending from the base 110 to the roof surface 16. The tabs may be extended inwardly, such as with a radius so that water passage into the valley 17 under/within the controller 100 is encouraged by the shape of the tab in a similar way to the apertures 113. The apertures 113 and tabs both enable flow of water (separated from debris) through the flow controller 100 into the roof valley 17 below/within it, where it can freely stream downward and outward into the gutter 101, unobstructed by debris (which has been separated/filtered out by the apertures 113 and tabs of the sidewalls 142, 143), but prevented from splashing out beyond the gutter 101 by the demi bullnose walls 123/124 and cleft 135. Thus the demi bullnose walls 123/124 prevents water from overshooting the gutter 101.

[0038] It will be seen that the flow controller 100 of the present disclosed embodiment is designed for use in a roof valley 17, but also has features that allow simple on-site modification to a configuration for use in conjunction with any type of roof surface (such as dormers, different pitches, etc.), wherein the flow controller 100 is installed relative to the gutters 101, where any similar concentrated rainwater flow situation is present.

[0039] In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment a flow controller for controlling flow from a roof valley of a roof into adjoining gutters on edges of the roof valley is provided. The flow controller including a base having a distal end, a proximal end and longitudinal sides connecting the distal end and proximal end, the base having a plane base portion bounded by the distal end with a substantially plane shape, wherein the distal end is disposed so that with the flow controller installed to the roof, or adjoining gutters on edges of the roof valley, the distal end is located toward the roof, and the proximal end is located away from the roof, and toward a front edge of the adjoining gutters, wherein the proximal end has a form that describes an included angle, edges of the included angle being generally aligned with the adjoining gutters, and wherein the proximal end has a demi-bullnose shape between the plane base portion and edges of the included angle, and a cleft that extends through the demi-bullnose shape from the plane base portion to an apex of the included angle, forming a flow channel with opposite channel walls that separate and respectively intersect sections of the demi-bullnose shape aligned with edges of the included angle.

[0040] In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment the opposite channel walls are angled with respect to each other so that the flow channel has a general V shape.

[0041] In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment the opposite channel walls of the flow channel are separate and distinct from the edges of included angle of the proximal end, and the general V shape is separate and distinct from the included angle.

[0042] In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment the flow channel has a channel bottom disposed at an angle that intersects the plane base portion offset from the demi-bullnose shape and intersects the edges of the included angle proximate lowermost edge of the proximal end.

[0043] In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment each of the plane base portion, the demi-bullnose shape and flow channel, respectively define at least three separate and distinct flow ways controlling flow from the roof valley collecting into the adjoining gutters.

[0044] In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment the plane base portion defines a first flow, the demi-bullnose shape portion defines a second flow, and the flow channel defines a third flow, each of the first flow, the second flow and the third flow being separate and distinct from each other and directed to substantially separate and distinct portions of the adjoining gutters.

[0045] In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment each of the plane base portion, the demi-bullnose shape and flow channel, respectively operate to control the flow from the roof valley and respectively distribute the flow to at least three separate and distinct flow ways formed by the flow controller.

[0046] In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment the demi-bullnose shape is smooth, from transition at the plane base portion, with a convexity commensurate with guiding flow over the demi-bullnose shape so that flow adheres to and wets the surface of the demi-bullnose shape without substantial separation along the demi-bullnose shape.

[0047] In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment the plane base portion mates to or interfaces a gutter cover of the adjoining gutters at the longitudinal sides of the flow controller.

[0048] In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment the demi-bullnose shape, the flow channel and edges of the included angle in the proximal end are disposed so as to direct flow to a collection channel of the adjoining gutters underlying a gutter cover of the adjoining gutters.

[0049] In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment a method for controlling flow from a roof valley of a roof into adjoining gutters on edges of the roof valley. The method including providing a flow controller having a base with a distal end, a proximal end and longitudinal sides connecting the distal end and proximal end, the base having a plane base portion bounded by the distal end with a substantially plane shape, wherein the distal end is disposed so that with the flow controller installed to the roof, or adjoining gutters on edges of the roof valley, the distal end is located toward the roof, and the proximal end is located away from the roof, and toward a front edge of the adjoining gutters, wherein the proximal end has a form that describes an included angle, edges of the included angle being generally aligned with the adjoining gutters, and wherein the proximal end has a demi-bullnose shape between the plane base portion and edges of the included angle, and a cleft that extends through the demi-bullnose shape from the plane base portion to an apex of the included angle, forming a flow channel with opposite channel walls that separate and respectively intersect sections of the demi-bullnose shape aligned with edges of the included angle, and effecting controlling flow from the roof valley over each of the plane base portion, the demi-bullnose shape and flow channel and collecting into the adjoining gutters.

[0050] In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment further including angling the opposite channel walls with respect to each other so that the flow channel has a general V shape.

[0051] In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment the opposite channel walls of the flow channel are separate and distinct from the edges of included angle of the proximal end, and the general V shape is separate and distinct from the included angle.

[0052] In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment the flow channel has a channel bottom disposed at an angle that intersects the plane base portion offset from the demi-bullnose shape and intersects the edges of the included angle proximate lowermost edge of the proximal end.

[0053] In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment each of the plane base portion, the demi-bullnose shape and flow channel, respectively define at least three separate and distinct flow ways for controlling flow from the roof valley collecting into the adjoining gutters.

[0054] In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment the plane base portion defines a first flow, the demi-bullnose shape portion defines a second flow, and the flow channel defines a third flow, each of the first flow, the second flow and the third flow being separate and distinct from each other and directed to substantially separate and distinct portions of the adjoining gutters.

[0055] In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment each of the plane base portion, the demi-bullnose shape and flow channel, respectively operating to control the flow from the roof valley and respectively distributing the flow to at least three separate and distinct flow ways formed by the flow controller.

[0056] In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment the demi-bullnose shape is smooth, from transition at the plane base portion, with a convexity commensurate with guiding flow over the demi-bullnose shape with the flow adhering to and wetting the surface of the demi-bullnose shape without substantial separation along the demi-bullnose shape.

[0057] In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment further including mating the plane base portion to or interfacing a gutter cover of the adjoining gutters at the longitudinal sides of the flow controller.

[0058] In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment further including disposing the demi-bullnose shape, the flow channel and edges of the included angle in the proximal end so as to direct flow to a collection channel of the adjoining gutters underlying a gutter cover of the adjoining gutters.

[0059] It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the present disclosure. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances that fall within the scope of any claims appended hereto. Further, the mere fact that different features are recited in mutually different dependent or independent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be advantageously used, such a combination remaining within the scope of the present disclosure.