Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6389755
-
Patent Number
6,389,755
-
Date Filed
Monday, October 16, 200025 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, May 21, 200223 years ago
-
Inventors
-
-
Examiners
- Friedman; Carl D.
- Glessner; Brian E.
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 052 11
- 052 12
- 052 16
- 248 481
- 248 482
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A gutter and downspout system for retractably mounting to a structure and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup. The system includes a gutter arrangement that retractably mounts to the structure and facilitates clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup and a downspout arrangement that detachably mounts to the gutter arrangement and retractably mounts to the structure and facilitates clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup. The gutter arrangement includes a bracket that retractably mounts to the structure and a gutter that detachably mounts to the bracket. The downspout arrangement includes a bracket that retractably mounts to the structure and a downspout that detachably mounts to the bracket. The bracket of each of the gutter arrangement and the downspout arrangement includes a stationary portion that is affixed to the structure and a movable portion that is pivotally mounted to the stationary portion thereof.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a gutter and downspout system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a gutter and downspout system for retractably mounting to a structure and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Numerous innovations for pivotable gutter systems have been provided in the prior, art that will be described. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, however, they differ from the present invention.
A FIRST EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 4,309,792 to Faye teaches a hinged bracket assembly for use in mounting a drain trough beneath the eaves of a building and enabling the trough to be inverted to facilitate the cleaning and servicing thereof. The assembly is of sturdy construction comprised of two major components, each of which can be economically fabricated by cutting operations applied to an extruded structure.
A SECOND EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,657 to Faye teaches a hinged support bracket for a drain trough having a harness member which nests above a bracket member. Both harness and bracket members are joined by a hinge mechanism at their forward extremities, thereby permitting the harness member, containing the drain trough, to be forwardly rotated at least 180 degrees of circular arc, causing inversion of the trough and the discharge of any debris contained therein.
A THIRD EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 5,274,965 to Jackson teaches a gutter bracket assembly that includes a fascia bracket and a gutter bracket for rotating a gutter to effect cleaning debris therefrom. The fascia bracket including a rear panel adapted to be affixed vertically to a fascia board, a bottom panel extending from the rear panel, and a receiving portion located at an end of the bottom panel remote from the rear panel and including a first pivot member. The gutter bracket includes a frame member having a second pivot member. There is also provided a mechanism for attaching the first pivot member to the second pivot member for permitting rotation of the gutter bracket about the receiving portion of the fascia bracket so that the gutter bracket may be rotated between a first, rain-gathering position and a second, inverted position for emptying water and/or debris from the gutter. The gutter bracket includes a mechanism for securing the gutter to the frame member solely by a snap-fit of a portion of the frame about a portion of the gutter.
A FOURTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,460 to Smith Jr. teaches a hinged hanger system for pivotably attaching a rain gutter to the fascia of a building beneath the edge of a roof comprising a plurality of hinged hangers for mounting and supporting the rain gutter in a tiltable position, the hangers consisting of an “L” shaped bracket and a hinge section nestled within horizontal supports and pivotably hinged to the horizontal supports, and a pulley system with lines attached to the rain gutter for tilting the gutter to a dumping position and resetting the gutter to a receiving position.
A FIFTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,239 to Leahy teaches a gutter tilt actuator for a rain gutter system for a house, building, structure, etc., which facilitates cleaning of a gutter, and more particularly to a gutter tilt actuator, which is utilized to rotate the gutter from a water collecting position to a cleaning position and from a cleaning position to a water collecting position.
It is apparent that numerous innovationsfor pivotable gutter systems have been provided in the prior art that are adapted to be used. Furthermore, even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, however, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
ACCORDINGLY, AN OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a gutter and downspout system for retractably mounting to a structure and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.
ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a gutter and downspout system for retractably mounting to a structure and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.
STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a gutter and downspout system for retractably mounting to a structure and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup that is simple to use.
BRIEFLY STATED, YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a gutter and downspout system for retractably mounting to a structure and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup. The system includes a gutter arrangement that retractably mounts to the structure and facilitates clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup and a downspout arrangement that detachably mounts to the gutter arrangement and retractably mounts to the structure and facilitates clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup. The gutter arrangement includes a bracket that retractably mounts to the structure and a gutter that detachably mounts to the bracket. The downspout arrangement includes a bracket that retractably mounts to the structure and a downspout that detachably mounts to the bracket. The bracket of each of the gutter arrangement and the downspout arrangement includes a stationary portion that is affixed to the structure and a movable portion that is pivotally mounted to the stationary portion thereof.
The novel features which are considered characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of the specific embodiments when read and understood in connection with the accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The figures of the drawing are briefly described as follows:
FIG. 1
is a diagrammatic perspective view of the present invention in use;
FIG. 2
is an enlarged diagrammatic end elevational view of the area generally enclosed by the dotted curve identified by arrow
2
in
FIG. 1
of a first embodiment of the gutter arrangement of the present invention;
FIG. 3
is an enlarged diagrammatic end elevational view of the area generally enclosed by the dotted curve identified by arrow
3
in
FIG. 1
of a second embodiment of the gutter arrangement of the present invention;
FIG. 4
is an enlarged diagrammatic top plan view of the, area generally enclosed by the dotted curve identified by arrow
4
in
FIG. 1
of a first embodiment of a corner piece of the gutter arrangement of the present invention shown in
FIG. 2
;
FIG. 5
is an exploded diagrammatic perspective view of the area generally enclosed by the dotted curve identified by arrow
5
in
FIG. 4
;
FIG. 6
is an enlarged diagrammatic cross sectional view taken on line
6
—
6
in
FIG. 4
;
FIG. 7
is an enlarged fragmented diagrammatic elevational view of the area generally enclosed by the dotted curve identified by arrow
7
in
FIG. 6
;
FIG. 8
is a diagrammatic elevational view of the area generally enclosed by the dotted curve identified by arrow
8
in
FIG. 1
of a second embodiment of a corner piece of the gutter arrangement of the present invention;
FIG. 9
is an enlarged diagrammatic perspective view of the area generally enclosed by the dotted curve identified by arrow
9
in
FIG. 8
;
FIG. 10
is an enlarged diagrammatic elevational view of the area generally enclosed by the dotted curve identified by arrow
10
in
FIG. 1
of the downspout arrangement of the present invention for utilization with the gutter arrangement of the present invention shown in
FIG. 2
;
FIG. 11
is an enlarged diagrammatic cross sectional view taken on line
11
in
FIG. 10
;
FIG. 12
is a diagrammatic top plan view taken generally in the direction of arrow
12
in
FIG. 10
of the bracket of the downspout arrangement of the present invention;
FIG. 13
is an enlarged exploded diagrammatic perspective view of the area generally enclosed by the dotted curve identified by arrow
13
in FIG.
1
and FIG.
12
.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS UTILIZED IN THE DRAWING
20
gutter and downspout system of present invention for retractably mounting to structure
22
having eave
23
and facia
25
and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup
22
structure
23
eave of structure
22
24
gutter arrangement for retractably mounting to structure
22
and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup
25
facia of structure
22
26
downspout arrangement for retractably mounting to structure
22
and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup
27
side of structure
22
First Embodiment of Gutter Arrangement
122
122
gutter arrangement
128
bracket of gutter arrangement
122
for retractably mounting to structure
22
and extending perpendicularly to facia
23
of structure
22
130
gutter of gutter arrangement
122
for extending along facia
23
of structure
22
132
stationary portion of bracket
128
of gutter arrangement
122
for affixing to eave
23
of structure
22
and extending perpendicularly to facia
23
of structure
22
134
movable portion of bracket
128
of gutter arrangement
122
for extending past, and perpendicularly to, facia
25
of structure
22
136
base plate of stationary portion
132
of bracket
128
of gutter arrangement
122
for affixing to eave
23
of structure
22
138
stationary arm of stationary portion
132
of bracket
128
of gutter arrangement
122
139
first end of stationary arm
138
of stationary portion
132
of bracket
128
of gutter arrangement
122
140
second end of stationary arm
138
of stationary portion
132
of bracket
128
of gutter arrangement
122
for not extending past, but being perpendicularly to, facia
25
of structure
22
142
movable arm of movable portion
134
of bracket
128
of gutter arrangement
122
144
first end of movable arm
42
of movable portion
134
of bracket
125
of gutter arrangement
122
146
second end of movable arm
42
of movable portion
134
of bracket
128
of gutter arrangement
122
for aligning with, and extending perpendicularly to, facia
25
of structure
22
148
receiver of movable portion
134
of bracket
128
of gutter arrangement
122
for extending perpendicularly to facia
23
of structure
22
150
pair of uppermost ends of receiver
148
of movable portion
134
of bracket
128
of gutter arrangement
122
152
innermost end of pair of uppermost ends
150
of receiver
148
of movable portion
134
of bracket
128
of gutter arrangement
122
for abutting against facia
23
of structure
22
153
outermost end of pair of uppermost ends
150
of receiver
148
of movable portion
134
of bracket
128
of gutter arrangement
122
154
pair of lips of receiver
148
of movable portion
134
of bracket
128
of gutter arrangement
122
156
innermost lip of pair of lips
154
of receiver
148
of movable portion
134
of bracket
128
of gutter arrangement
122
158
outermost lip of pair of lips
154
of receiver
148
of movable portion
134
of bracket
128
of gutter arrangement
122
Second Embodiment of Gutter Arrangement
222
222
gutter arrangement
228
bracket of gutter arrangement
222
230
gutter of gutter arrangement
222
234
movable portion of bracket
228
of gutter arrangement
222
248
receiver of movable portion
234
of bracket
228
of gutter arrangement
222
for extending outwardly from facia
25
of structure
22
, in line with eave
23
of structure
22
250
throughbore in receiver
248
of movable portion
234
of bracket
228
of gutter arrangement
222
251
stop of bracket
228
of movable portion
234
of gutter arrangement
222
252
lowermost surface of gutter
230
of gutter arrangement
222
253
rearwardmost surface of gutter
230
of gutter arrangement
222
254
blindbore in lowermost surface
252
of gutter
230
of gutter arrangement
222
256
bolt of gutter
230
of gutter arrangement
222
First Embodiment of Corner Gutter
160
160
corner gutter
162
first portion of corner gutter
160
163
pair of uppermost ends of first portion
162
of corner gutter
160
164
proximal end of first portion
162
of corner gutter
160
166
free distal end of first portion
162
of corner gutter
160
168
lowermost surface of first portion
162
of corner gutter
160
170
seal internally lining distal end
166
of first portion
162
of corner gutter
160
172
pair of clips of first portion
162
of corner gutter
160
174
bung of first portion
162
of corner gutter
160
176
stick of corner gutter
160
177
threaded end of stick
176
of corner gutter
160
178
second portion of corner gutter
160
180
pair of uppermost ends of second portion
178
of corner gutter
160
182
proximal end of second portion
178
of corner gutter
160
184
free distal end of second portion
178
of corner gutter
160
186
lowermost surface of second portion
178
of corner gutter
160
188
seal internally lining distal end
184
of second portion
178
of corner gutter
160
190
pair of clips of second portion
178
of corner gutter
160
192
bung of second portion
178
of corner gutter
160
Second Embodiment Of Corner Gutter
266
260
corner gutter
262
first portion of corner gutter
260
268
lowermost surface of first portion
262
of corner gutter
260
274
eyelet
277
hook
278
second portion of corner gutter
260
286
lowermost surface of second portion
278
of corner gutter
260
Downspout Arrangement
26
328
bracket of downspout arrangement
26
for retractably mounting to side
27
of structure
22
and extending perpendicularly to side
27
of structure
22
330
downspout of downspout arrangement
26
332
stationary portion of bracket
328
of downspout arrangement
26
for affixing to side.
27
of structure
22
and extending perpendicularly to side
27
of structure
22
334
movable portion of bracket
328
of downspout arrangement
26
for extending past, and perpendicularly to, side
27
.of structure
22
336
base plate of stationary portion
332
of bracket
328
of downspout arrangement
26
for affixing to side
27
of structure
22
338
stationary arm of stationary portion
332
of bracket
328
of downspout arrangement
26
339
first end of stationary arm
338
of stationary portion
332
of bracket
328
of downspout arrangement
26
340
second end of stationary arm
338
of stationary portion
332
of bracket
328
of downspout arrangement
26
for extending perpendicularly to side
27
of structure
22
342
movable arm of movable portion
334
of bracket
328
of downspout arrangement
26
344
first end of movable arm
342
of movable portion
334
of bracket
328
of downspout arrangement
26
346
second end of movable arm
342
of movable portion
334
of bracket
328
of downspout arrangement
26
for extending perpendicularly to side
27
of structure
22
348
receiver of movable portion
334
of bracket
328
of downspout arrangement
26
for extending perpendicularly to side
27
of structure
22
350
outermost ends of receiver
348
of movable portion
334
of bracket
328
of downspout arrangement
26
354
pair of lips of receiver
348
of movable portion
334
of bracket
328
of downspout arrangement
26
356
lower portion of downspout
330
of downspout .arrangement
26
for extending perpendicularly to facia
23
of structure
22
358
upper portion of downspout
330
of downspout arrangement
26
360
uppermost end of lower portion
356
of downspout
330
of downspout arrangement
26
362
outermost surface of uppermost end
360
of lower portion
356
of downspout
330
of downspout arrangement
26
364
grooves in outermost surface
362
of uppermost end
360
of lower portion
356
of downspout
330
of downspout arrangement
26
Hinge
135
400
outermost surface of second end.
140
of stationary arm
138
of stationary portion
132
of bracket
128
of gutter arrangement
122
402
innermost surface of second end
140
of stationary arm
138
of stationary portion
132
of bracket
128
of gutter arrangement
122
404
throughbore through second end
140
of stationary arm
138
of stationary portion
132
of bracket
128
of gutter arrangement
122
406
outermost surface of first end
144
of movable arm
134
of movable portion
134
of bracket
128
of gutter arrangement
122
408
innermost surface of first end
144
of movable arm
134
of movable portion
134
of bracket
128
of gutter arrangement
122
410
throughbore through first end
144
of movable arm
134
of movable portion
134
of bracket
128
of gutter arrangement
122
412
bolt of hinge
135
414
head of bolt
412
of hinge
135
416
first washer of hinge
135
418
coil spring of hinge
135
420
second washer of hinge
135
422
nut of hinge
135
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts, and particularly to
FIG. 1
, the gutter and downspout system of the present invention is shown generally at
20
for retractably mounting to a structure
22
having an eave
23
, a facia
25
, and a side
27
and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup having weight.
The overall configuration of the gutter and downspout system
20
can best be seen in
FIG. 1
, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.
The gutter and downspout system
20
comprises a gutter arrangement
24
for retractably mounting to the structure
22
and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup, and a downspout arrangement
26
that is detachably mounted to the gutter arrangement
24
for retractably mounting to the structure
22
and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup.
The specific configuration of a first embodiment of the gutter arrangement
122
can best be seen in
FIG. 2
, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.
The gutter arrangement
122
comprises a bracket
128
for retractably mounting to the structure
22
and extending perpendicularly to the facia
23
of the structure
22
, and a gutter
130
that is detachably mounted to the bracket
128
thereof.
The bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
comprises a stationary portion
132
for affixing to the eave
23
of the structure
22
and extending perpendicularly to the facia
23
of the structure
22
, and a movable portion
134
that is pivotally mounted, by a hinge
135
, to the stationary portion
132
thereof for extending past, and perpendicularly to, the facia
25
of the structure
22
.
The stationary portion
132
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
comprises a base plate
136
for affixing to the eave
23
of the structure
22
.
The stationary portion
132
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
further comprises a stationary arm
138
that is slender, elongated, and has a first end
139
that is integrally formed on the base plate
136
thereof, and depends outwardly therefrom, to a second end
140
thereof for not extending past, but being perpendicularly to, the facia
25
of the structure
22
.
The movable portion
134
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
comprises a movable arm
142
that is slender, elongated, and has a first end
144
that is pivotally attached to the second end
140
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
, and extends outwardly and upwardly therefrom, to a second end
146
thereof for aligning with, and extending perpendicularly to, the facia
25
of the structure
22
.
The movable portion
134
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
further comprises a receiver
148
that is vertically-oriented and integrally formed on the second end
146
of the movable arm
142
thereof for extending perpendicularly to the facia
23
of the structure
22
.
The receiver
148
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
is semi-circular-shaped and opens upwardly to a pair of uppermost ends
150
that include an innermost end
152
for abutting against the facia
23
of the structure
22
and an outermost end
153
.
The receiver
148
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
has a pair of lips
154
that extend inwardly towards each other, from the pair of uppermost ends
150
thereof, respectively.
The pair of lips
154
of the receiver
148
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
include an innermost lip
156
that extends inwardly from the innermost end
152
of the receiver
148
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
and an outermost lip
158
that extends inwardly from the outermost end
153
of the receiver
148
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
.
The innermost lip
156
of the receiver
148
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
is straight and horizontally-oriented.
The outermost lip
158
of the receiver
148
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
is L-shaped and extends horizontally and then depends vertically.
The gutter
130
is horizontally-oriented, slender, elongated, semi-circular-shaped in lateral cross section, and is snapingly and detachably received in, conforms to, and extends perpendicularly to, the receiver
148
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
for extending along the facia
23
of the structure
22
.
The gutter
130
is detachably captured by the pair of lips
154
of, and selectively maintained in, the receiver
148
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
, and when the gutter
130
is to be cleaned out, the movable portion
134
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
is pivoted downwardly exposing the gutter
130
and facilitating the clean out thereof, and when the gutter
130
fills with the ice dam buildup, the weight of the ice dam buildup causes the movable portion
134
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
to pivot downwardly causing the ice dam build up to empty from the gutter
130
without breakage thereto that would have occurred had the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
been rigid and inflexible.
The specific configuration of a second embodiment of the gutter arrangement
222
can best be seen in
FIG. 3
, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.
The gutter arrangement
222
is similar to the gutter arrangement
122
, except for the receiver
248
of the bracket
228
thereof and the gutter
230
thereof.
The receiver
248
of the bracket
228
of the gutter arrangement
222
is flat and horizontally-oriented for extending outwardly from the facia
25
of the structure
22
, in line with the eave
23
of the structure
22
.
The receiver
248
of the bracket
228
of the gutter arrangement
222
has a throughbore
250
that extends vertically therethrough.
The bracket
228
of the gutter arrangement
222
further has a stop
251
that is disposed on the second end
246
of the movable arm
242
of the movable portion
234
of the bracket
228
of the gutter arrangement
222
.
The gutter
230
is slender, elongated, square-shaped in lateral cross section, and has a lowermost surface
252
that is flat and rests on the receiver
248
of the bracket
228
of the gutter arrangement
222
and a rearwardmost surface
253
that abuts against the stop
251
of the receiver
248
of the bracket
228
of the gutter arrangement
222
.
The gutter
230
has a blindbore
254
that extends upwardly from, and opens into, the lowermost surface
252
thereof.
The gutter
230
further comprises a bolt
256
that extends into the throughbore
250
in the receiver
148
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
222
and threadably into the blindbore
254
therein so as to selectively maintain the gutter
230
in the receiver
248
of the movable portion
234
of the bracket
228
of the gutter arrangement
222
.
The specific configuration of a first embodiment of a corner gutter
160
for use with the gutter arrangement
122
can best be seen in
FIGS. 4-7
, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.
The corner gutter
160
comprises a first portion
162
that is slender, elongated, semi-circular-shaped in lateral cross section, opens upwardly to a pair of uppermost ends
163
, and has a proximal end
164
, a free distal end
166
, and a lowermost surface
168
.
The proximal end
164
of the first portion
162
of the corner gutter
160
is mitered at 45 degrees.
The distal end
166
of the first portion
162
of the corner gutter
160
is lined internally with a seal
170
.
The first portion
162
of the corner gutter
160
further has a pair of clips
172
that extend inwardly towards each other, from the pair of uppermost ends
163
thereof, respectively, and are disposed just inboard of the distal end
166
thereof.
The gutter
130
adjacent thereto conforms to, and is detachably captured in, the distal end
166
of the first portion
162
of the corner gutter
160
, is sealed against leakage by the seal
170
thereof, and is selectively maintained therein by the pair of clips
172
abutting there against so as to form a breakaway joint that allows the gutter
130
adjacent thereto to separate from the first portion
162
of the corner gutter
160
when the weight of the ice dam buildup is great so as to prevent the bracket
128
from pivoting downwardly past its limit and breaking.
The first portion
162
of the corner gutter
160
further has a bung
174
that is internally threaded, and extends inwardly from, and opens into, the lowermost surface
168
thereof, and is disposed intermediate the proximal end
164
thereof and the distal end
166
thereof.
The corner gutter
160
further comprises a second portion
178
that is slender, elongated, semi-circular-shaped in lateral cross section, opens upwardly to a pair of uppermost ends
180
, and has a proximal end
182
, a free distal end
184
, and a lowermost surface
186
.
The proximal end
182
of the second portion
178
of the corner gutter
160
is mitered at 45 degrees and is coincident with, for movement with, the proximal end
164
of the first portion
162
of the corner gutter
160
causing the first portion
162
of the corner gutter
160
to be positioned 90 degrees relative to the second portion
178
of the corner gutter
160
and form a right corner.
The distal end
184
of the second portion
178
of the corner gutter
160
is lined internally with a seal
188
.
The second portion
178
of the corner gutter
160
further has a pair of clips
190
that extend inwardly towards each other, from the pair of uppermost ends
180
thereof, respectively, and are disposed just inboard of the distal end
184
thereof.
The gutter
130
adjacent thereto conforms to, and is detachably captured in, the distal end
184
of the second portion
178
of the corner gutter
160
, is sealed against leakage by the seal
188
thereof, and is selectively maintained therein by the pair of clips
190
abutting there against so as to form a breakaway joint that allows the gutter
130
adjacent thereto to separate from the second portion
178
of the corner gutter
160
when the weight of the ice dam buildup is great so as to prevent the bracket
128
from pivoting downwardly past its limit and breaking.
The second portion
178
of the corner gutter
160
further has a bung
192
that is internally threaded, and extends inwardly from, and opens into, the lowermost surface
186
of the second gutter
178
of the corner gutter
160
, and is disposed intermediate the proximal end
182
thereof and the distal end
164
thereof.
The corner gutter
160
further has a stick
176
that has a threaded end
177
that selectively threads into one of the bung
174
in the first portion
162
thereof and the bung
192
in the second portion
178
thereof, and when the corner gutter
160
and the gutter
130
adjacent thereto are to be cleaned out, the stick
176
is threaded into the one of the bung
174
in the first portion
162
thereof and the bung
192
in the second potion
178
thereof and pulled down, causing the movable portion
134
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
to pivot downwardly and expose the corner gutter
160
and the gutter
130
adjacent thereto so as to facilitate the clean out thereof, and thereafter, the stick
176
is pushed up repositioning the corner gutter
160
and the gutter
130
adjacent thereto to their original positions, and the stick
176
is unthreaded and removed therefrom, and when the corner gutter
160
and the gutter
130
adjacent thereto fill with the ice dam buildup, and the movable portion
134
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
pivots downwardly, and after the ice dam build up has emptied from the corner gutter
160
and the gutter
130
adjacent thereto, the stick
176
is threaded into the one of the bung
174
in the first portion
162
thereof and the bung
192
in the second portion
178
thereof, and the stick
176
is pushed up repositioning the corner gutter
160
and the gutter
130
adjacent thereto to their original positions, and the, stick
176
is unthreaded and removed therefrom.
The specific configuration of a second embodiment of the corner gutter
260
can best be seen in
FIGS. 8 and 9
, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.
The corner gutter
260
is similar to the corner gutter
160
, except: 1. The bung
174
in the first portion
162
thereof and the bung
192
in the second portion
178
thereof are each replaced by an eyelet
274
that depends from the lowermost surface
268
of the first portion
262
and the lowermost surface
286
of the second portion
278
, respectively.
2. The threaded end
177
of the stick
176
is replaced by a hook
277
that selectively engages in the eyelet
274
.
The specific configuration of the downspout arrangement
26
can best be seen in
FIGS. 10-12
, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.
The downspout arrangement
26
comprises a bracket
328
for retrabtably mounting to, and extending perpendicularly to, the side
27
of the structure
22
, and a downspout
330
that is detachably mounted to the bracket
328
thereof.
The bracket
328
of the downspout arrangement
26
comprises a stationary portion
332
for affixing to, and extending perpendicularly to, the side
27
of the structure
22
, and a movable portion
334
that is pivotally mounted, by another of the hinge
135
, to the stationary portion
332
thereof for extending perpendicularly to the side
27
of the structure
22
.
The stationary portion
332
of the bracket
328
of the downspout arrangement
26
comprises a base plate
336
for affixing to the side
27
of the structure
22
.
The stationary portion
332
of the bracket
328
of the downspout arrangement
26
further comprises a stationary arm
338
that is slender, elongated, and has a first end
339
that is integrally formed on the base plate
336
thereof, and extends horizontally outwardly therefrom, to a second end
340
thereof for extending perpendicularly to the side
27
of the structure
22
.
The movable portion
334
of the bracket
328
of the downspout arrangement
26
comprises a movable arm
342
that is slender, elongated, and has a first end
344
that is pivotally attached to the second end
340
of the stationary arm
338
of the bracket
328
of the downspout arrangement
26
, and extends colinearly outwardly therefrom, to a second end
346
thereof for extending perpendicularly to the side
27
of the structure
22
.
The movable portion
334
of the bracket
328
of the downspout arrangement
26
further comprises a receiver
348
that is horizontally-oriented and integrally formed on the second end
346
of the movable arm
342
thereof for extending perpendicularly to the side
27
of the structure
22
.
The receiver
348
of the bracket
328
of the downspout arrangement
26
is C-shaped and opens outwardly to a pair of outermost ends
350
.
The receiver
348
of the bracket
328
of the downspout arrangement
26
has a pair of lips
354
that extend inwardly towards each other, from the pair of outermost ends
350
thereof, respectively.
The downspout
330
has a lower portion
356
that is detachably connected to the bracket
328
of the downspout arrangement
26
, and an upper portion
358
that fluidly communicates with the lower portion
356
thereof and the gutter
130
.
The lower portion
356
of the downspout
330
is tubular, vertically-oriented, slender, elongated, circular-shaped in lateral cross section, and is snapingly and detachably received in, conforms to, and extends perpendicularly to, the receiver
348
of the bracket
328
of the downspout arrangement
322
for extending perpendicularly to the facia
23
of the structure
22
, and has an uppermost end
360
.
The uppermost end
360
of the lower portion
356
of the downspout
330
has an outermost surface
362
that has grooves
364
that extend partially therearound, are straight, vertically-oriented, and horizontally spaced-apart from each other.
The upper portion
330
of the downspout
330
is cup-shaped and extends coaxially upwardly from, and fluidly communicates with, the uppermost end
360
of the lower portion
356
of the downspout
330
, and detachably receives, and fluidly communicates with, the gutter
130
.
The lower portion
356
of the downspout
330
is detachably captured in the receiver
348
of the bracket
328
of the downspout arrangement
322
by the pair of lips
354
of the receiver
348
of the bracket
328
of the downspout arrangement
26
selectively engaging in an associated pair of the grooves
364
in the uppermost end
360
thereof.
The specific configuration of the hinge
135
can best be seen in
FIG. 13
, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.
The hinge
135
comprises the second end
140
of the stationary arm
138
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
having an outermost surface
400
, an innermost surface
402
being concave, and a throughbore
404
extending horizontally therethrough, from the innermost surface
402
thereof to the outermost surface
400
thereof.
The hinge
135
further comprises the first end
144
of the movable arm
134
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
having an outermost surface
406
, an innermost surface
408
being convex, and conforming to, and rotating in the concave of the second end
140
of the stationary arm
138
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
, and a throughbore
410
extending horizontally therethrough, from the innermost surface
408
thereof to the outermost surface
406
thereof.
The hinge
135
further comprises a bolt
412
that has a head
414
and extends in the throughbore
404
in the second end
140
of the stationary arm
138
,of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
and the throughbore
410
in the first end
144
of the movable arm
134
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
.
The hinge
135
further comprises a first washer
416
that has the bolt
412
pass therethrough, and is disposed between the head
414
of the bolt
412
and the outermost surface
400
of the second end
140
of the stationary arm
138
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
.
The hinge
135
further comprises a coil spring
418
that has tension and the bolt
412
pass therethrough, and is disposed against the outermost surface
406
of the first end
144
of the movable arm
134
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
.
The hinge
135
further comprises a second washer
420
that has the bolt
412
pass therethrough, and is disposed against the coil spring
418
, and captures the coil spring
418
against the outermost surface
406
of the first end
144
of the movable arm
134
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
.
The hinge
135
further comprises a nut
422
that threadably engages the bolt
412
, and is disposed against the second washer
420
thereof, and when threaded relative to the bolt
412
, changes the tension of the coil spring
418
thereof for determining at what weight of the ice dam buildup, the movable arm
134
of the bracket
128
of the gutter arrangement
122
will pivot downwardly.
It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions different from the types described above.
While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a gutter and downspout system for retractably mounting to a structure and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup, however, it is not limited to the details shown, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.
Claims
- 1. A gutter and downspout system for retractably mounting to structure having an eave, a facia, and a side, and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup having weight, said system comprising:A) a gutter arrangement for retractably mounting to the structure and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup; and B) a downspout arrangement detachably mounted to said gutter arrangement for retractably mounting to the structure and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup, wherein said gutter arrangement comprises: I) a bracket for retractably mounting to the structure and extending perpendicularly to the facia of the structure; and II) a gutter that is detachably mounted to said bracket thereof, wherein said bracket of said gutter arrangement comprises: i) a stationary portion for affixing to the eave of the structure and extending perpendicularly to the facia of the structure; and ii) a movable portion that is pivotally mounted to said stationary portion thereof, by a hinge, for extending past, and perpendicularly to, the facia of the structure, wherein said stationary portion of said bracket of said gutter arrangement comprises a base plate for affixing to the eave of the structure, wherein said stationary portion of said bracket of said gutter arrangement further comprises a stationary arm that is slender, elongated, and has a first end that is integrally formed on said base plate thereof, and depends outwardly therefrom, to a second end for not extending past, but being perpendicularly to, the facia of the structure, wherein said movable portion of said bracket of said gutter arrangement comprises a movable arm that is slender, elongated, and has a first end that is pivotally attached to said second end of said stationary arm of said bracket of said gutter arrangement, and extends outwardly and upwardly therefrom, to a second end for aligning with, and extending perpendicularly to, the facia of the structure, wherein said movable portion of said bracket of said gutter arrangement further comprises a receiver that is vertically-oriented and integrally formed on said second end of said movable arm thereof for extending perpendicularly to the facia of the structure, wherein said receiver of said bracket of said gutter arrangement has a throughbore that extends vertically therethrough, wherein said bracket of said gutter arrangement further has a stop that is disposed on said second end of said movable arm of said movable portion of said bracket of said gutter arrangement, wherein said gutter is slender, elongated, square-shaped in lateral cross section, and has: a) a lowermost surface that is flat and rests on said receiver of said bracket of said gutter arrangement; and b) a rearwardmost surface that abuts against said stop of said receiver of said bracket of said gutter arrangement, wherein said gutter has a blindbore that extends upwardly from, and opens into, said lowermost surface thereof.
- 2. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein said receiver of said bracket of said gutter arrangement is semi-circular-shaped and opens upwardly to a pair of uppermost ends that include:a) an innermost end for abutting against the facia of the structure; and b) an outermost end.
- 3. The system as defined in claim 2, wherein said receiver of said bracket of said gutter arrangement has a pair of lips that extend inwardly towards each other, from said pair of uppermost ends thereof, respectively.
- 4. The system as defined in claim 3, wherein said pair of lips of said receiver of said bracket of said gutter arrangement include:a) an innermost lip that extends inwardly from said innermost end of said receiver of said bracket of said gutter arrangement; and b) an outermost lip that extends inwardly from said outermost end of said receiver of said bracket of said gutter arrangement.
- 5. The system as defined in claim 4, wherein said innermost lip of said receiver of said bracket of said gutter arrangement is straight and horizontally-oriented.
- 6. The system as defined in claim 4, wherein said outermost lip of said receiver of said bracket of said gutter arrangement is L-shaped and extends horizontally and then depends vertically.
- 7. The system as defined in claim 2, wherein said gutter is horizontally-oriented, slender, elongated, semi-circular-shaped in lateral cross section, and is snapingly and detachably received in, conforms to, and extends perpendicularly to, said receiver of said bracket of said gutter arrangement for extending along the facia of said structure.
- 8. The system as defined in claim 3, wherein said gutter is detachably captured by said pair of lips of, and selectively maintained in, said receiver of said bracket of said gutter arrangement, and when said gutter is to be cleaned out, said movable portion of said bracket of said gutter arrangement is pivoted downwardly exposing said gutter and facilitating the clean out thereof, and when said gutter fills with the ice dam buildup, the weight of the ice dam buildup causes said movable portion of said bracket of said gutter arrangement to pivot downwardly causing, the ice dam build up to empty from said gutter without breakage thereto that would have occurred had said bracket of said gutter arrangement been rigid and inflexible.
- 9. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein said receiver of said bracket of said gutter arrangement is flat and horizontally-oriented for extending outwardly from the facia of the structure, in line with the eave of the structure.
- 10. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein said gutter further comprises a bolt that extends into said throughbore in said receiver of said bracket of said gutter arrangement and threadably into said blindbore therein so as to selectively maintain said gutter in said receiver of said movable portion of said bracket of said gutter arrangement.
- 11. A gutter and downspout system for retractably mounting to structure having an eave, a facia, and a side, and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup having weight, said system comprising:A) a gutter arrangement for retractably mounting to the structure and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup; and B) a downspout arrangement detachably mounted to said gutter arrangement for retractably mounting to the structure and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup, wherein said gutter arrangement comprises: I) a bracket for retractably mounting to the structure and extending perpendicularly to the facia of the structure; and II) a gutter that is detachably mounted to said bracket thereof, wherein said gutter arrangement further comprises a corner gutter, wherein said corner gutter comprises a first portion that is slender, elongated, semi-circular-shaped in lateral cross section, opens upwardly to a pair of uppermost ends, and has: a) a proximal end; b) a free distal end; and c) a lowermost surface, wherein said distal end of said first portion of said corner gutter is lined internally with a seal, wherein said first portion of said corner gutter further has a pair of clips that extend inwardly towards each other, from said pair of uppermost ends thereof, respectively, and are disposed just inboard of said distal end thereof.
- 12. The system as defined in claim 11, wherein said proximal end of said first portion of said corner gutter is mitered at 45 degrees.
- 13. The system as defined in claim 11, wherein said gutter adjacent thereto conforms to, and is detachably captured in, said distal end of said first portion of said corner gutter, is sealed against leakage by said seal thereof, and is selectively maintained therein by said pair of clips abutting there against so as to form a breakaway joint that allows said gutter adjacent thereto to separate from said first portion of said corner gutter when the weight of the ice dam buildup is great so as to prevent said bracket from pivoting downwardly past its limit and breaking.
- 14. A gutter and downspout system for retractably mounting to structure having an eave, a facia, and a side, and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup having weight, said system comprising:A) a gutter arrangement for retractably mounting to the structure and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup; and B) a downspout arrangement detachably mounted to said gutter arrangement for retractably mounting to the structure and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup, wherein said gutter arrangement comprises: I) a bracket for retractably mounting to the structure and extending perpendicularly to the facia of the structure; and II) a gutter that is detachably mounted to said bracket thereof, wherein said gutter arrangement further comprises a corner gutter, wherein said corner gutter comprises a first portion that is slender, elongated, semi-circular-shaped in lateral cross section, opens upwardly to a pair of uppermost ends, and has: a) a proximal end; b) a free distal end; and c) a lowermost surface, wherein said first portion of said corner gutter further has a bung that is internally threaded, and extends inwardly from, and opens into, said lowermost surface thereof, and is disposed intermediate said proximal end thereof and said distal end thereof.
- 15. The system as defined in claim 14, wherein said corner gutter further comprises a second portion that is slender, elongated, semi-circular-shaped in lateral cross section, opens upwardly to a pair of uppermost ends, and has:a) a proximal end; b) a free distal end; and c) a lowermost surface.
- 16. The system as defined in claim 15, wherein said proximal end of said second portion of said corner gutter is mitered at 45 degrees and is coincident with, for movement with, said proximal end of said first portion of said corner gutter causing said first portion of said corner gutter to be positioned 90 degrees relative to said second portion of said corner gutter and form a right corner.
- 17. The system as defined in claim 15, wherein said distal end of said second portion of said corner gutter is lined internally with a seal.
- 18. The system as defined in claim 17, wherein said second portion of said corner gutter further has a pair of clips that extend inwardly towards each other, from said pair of uppermost ends thereof, respectively, and are disposed just inboard of said distal end thereof.
- 19. The system as defined in claim 18, wherein said gutter adjacent thereto conforms to, and is detachably captured in, said distal end of said second portion of said corner gutter, is sealed against leakage by said seal thereof, and is selectively maintained therein by said pair of clips abutting there against so as to form a breakaway joint that allows said gutter adjacent thereto to separate from said second portion of said corner gutter when the weight of the ice dam buildup is great so as to prevent said bracket from pivoting downwardly past its limit and breaking.
- 20. The system as defined in claim 15, wherein said second portion of said corner gutter further has a bung that is internally threaded, and extends inwardly from, and opens into, said lowermost surface of said second gutter of said corner gutter, and is disposed intermediate said proximal end thereof and said distal end thereof.
- 21. The system as defined in claim 20, wherein said corner gutter further has a stick that has a threaded end that selectively threads into one of said bung in said first portion thereof and said bung in said second portion thereof, and when said corner gutter and said gutter adjacent thereto are to be cleaned out, said stick is threaded into said one of said bung in said first portion thereof and said bung in said second potion thereof and pulled down, causing said movable portion of said bracket of said gutter arrangement to pivot downwardly and expose said corner gutter and said gutter adjacent thereto so as to facilitate the clean out thereof, and thereafter, said stick is pushed up repositioning said corner gutter and said gutter adjacent thereto to their original positions, and said stick is unthreaded and removed therefrom, and when said corner gutter and said gutter adjacent thereto fill with the ice dam buildup, and said movable portion of said bracket of said gutter arrangement pivots downwardly, and after the ice dam build up has emptied from said corner gutter and said gutter adjacent thereto, said stick is threaded into said one of said bung in said first portion thereof and said bung in said second portion thereof, and said stick is pushed up repositioning said corner gutter and said gutter adjacent thereto to their original positions, and said stick is unthreaded and removed therefrom.
- 22. The system as defined in claim 15, wherein said first portion of said corner gutter further has a eyelet that depends from said lowermost surface thereof, and is disposed intermediate said proximal end thereof and said distal end thereof.
- 23. The system as defined in claim 22, wherein said second portion of said corner gutter further has a eyelet that depends from said lowermost surface thereof, and is disposed intermediate said proximal end thereof and said distal end thereof.
- 24. The system as defined in claim 23, wherein said corner gutter further has a stick that has a hooked end that selectively hooks into one of said eyelet of said first portion thereof and said eyelet of said second portion thereof, and when said corner gutter and said gutter adjacent thereto are to be cleaned out, said stick is hooked into said one of said eyelet of said first portion thereof and said eyelet of said second potion thereof and pulled down, causing said movable portion of said bracket of said gutter arrangement to pivot downwardly and expose said corner gutter and said gutter adjacent thereto so as to facilitate the clean out thereof, and thereafter, said stick is pushed up repositioning said corner gutter and said gutter adjacent thereto to their original positions, and said stick is unhooked and removed therefrom, and when said corner gutter and said gutter adjacent thereto fill with the ice dam buildup, and said movable portion of said bracket of said gutter arrangement pivots-downwardly, and after the ice dam build up has emptied from said corner gutter and said gutter adjacent thereto, said stick is hooked into said one of said eyelet of said first portion thereof and said eyelet of said second portion thereof, and said stick is pushed up repositioning said corner gutter and said gutter adjacent thereto to their original positions, and said stick is unhooked and removed therefrom.
- 25. A gutter and downspout system for retractably mounting to structure having an eave, a facia, and a side, and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup having weight, said system comprising:A) a gutter arrangement for retractably mounting to the structure and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup; and B) a downspout arrangement detachably mounted to said gutter arrangement for retractably mounting to the structure and facilitating clean out and prevention of breakage due to ice dam buildup, wherein said gutter arrangement comprises: I) a bracket for retractably mounting to the structure and extending perpendicularly to the facia of the structure; and II) a gutter that is detachably mounted to said bracket thereof, wherein said bracket of said gutter arrangement comprises: i) a stationary portion for affixing to the eave of the structure and extending perpendicularly to the facia of the structure; and ii) a movable portion that is pivotally mounted to said stationary portion thereof, by a hinge, for extending past, and perpendicularly to, the facia of the structure, wherein said stationary portion of said bracket of said gutter arrangement comprises a base plate for affixing to the eave of the structure, wherein said stationary portion of said bracket of said gutter arrangement further comprises a stationary arm that is slender, elongated, and has a first end that is integrally formed on said base plate thereof, and depends outwardly therefrom, to a second end for not extending past, but being perpendicularly to, the facia of the structure, wherein said movable portion of said bracket of said gutter arrangement comprises a movable arm that is slender, elongated, and has a first end that is pivotally attached to said second end of said stationary arm of said bracket of said gutter arrangement, and extends outwardly and upwardly therefrom, to a second end for aligning with, and extending perpendicularly to, the facia of the structure, wherein said downspout arrangement comprises: a) a bracket for retractably mounting to, and extending perpendicularly to, the side of the structure; and b) a downspout that is detachably mounted to said bracket thereof.
- 26. The system as defined in claim 25, wherein said bracket of said downspout arrangement comprises:a) a stationary portion for affixing to, and extending perpendicularly to, the side of the structure; and c) a movable portion that is pivotally mounted, by another said hinge, to said stationary portion thereof for extending past, and perpendicularly to, the side of the structure.
- 27. The system as defined in claim 26, wherein said stationary portion of said bracket of said downspout arrangement comprises a base plate for affixing to the side of the structure.
- 28. The system as defined in claim 27, wherein said stationary portion of said bracket of said downspout arrangement further comprises a stationary arm that is slender, elongated, and has a first end that is integrally formed on said base plate thereof, and extends horizontally outwardly therefrom, to a second end thereof for extending perpendicularly to the side of the structure.
- 29. The system as defined in claim 28, wherein said movable portion of said bracket of said downspout arrangement comprises a movable arm that is slender, elongated, and has a first end that is pivotally attached to said second end of said stationary arm of said bracket of said downspout arrangement, and extends colinearly outwardly therefrom, to a second end thereof for extending perpendicularly to the side of the structure.
- 30. The system as defined in claim 29, wherein said movable portion of said bracket of said downspout arrangement further comprises a receiver that is horizontally-oriented and integrally formed on said second end of said movable arm thereof for extending perpendicularly to the side of the structure.
- 31. The system as defined in claim 30, wherein said receiver of said bracket of said downspout arrangement is C-shaped and opens outwardly to a pair of outermost ends.
- 32. The system as defined in claim 31, wherein said receiver of said bracket of said downspout arrangement has a pair of lips that extend inwardly towards each other, from said pair of outermost ends thereof, respectively.
- 33. The system as defined in claim 32, wherein said downspout has:a) a lower portion that is detachably connected to said bracket of said downspout arrangement; and b) an upper portion that fluidly communicates with said lower portion thereof and said gutter.
- 34. The system as defined in claim 33, wherein said lower portion of said downspout is tubular, vertically-oriented, slender, elongated, circular-shaped in lateral cross section, and is snapingly and detachably received in, conforms to, and extends perpendicularly to, said receiver of said bracket of said downspout arrangement for extending perpendicularly to the facia of the structure, and has an uppermost end.
- 35. The system as defined in claim 34, wherein said uppermost end of said lower portion of said downspout has an outermost surface that has grooves that extend partially thereround, are straight, vertically-oriented, and horizontally spaced-apart from each other.
- 36. The system as defined in claim 34, wherein said upper portion of said downspout is cup-shaped and extends coaxially upwardly from, and fluidly communicates with, said uppermost end of said lower portion of said downspout, and detachably receives, and fluidly communicates with, said gutter.
- 37. The system as defined in claim 35, wherein said lower portion of said downspout is detachably captured in said receiver of said bracket of said downspout arrangement by said pair of lips of said receiver of said bracket of said downspout arrangement selectively detachably engaging in an associated pair of said grooves in said uppermost end thereof.
- 38. The system as defined in claim 29, wherein said hinge comprises said second end of said stationary arm of said bracket of each of said gutter arrangement and said downspout arrangement having:a) an outermost surface; b) an innermost surface being concave; and c) a throughbore extending horizontally therethrough, from said innermost surface thereof to said outermost surface thereof.
- 39. The system as defined in claim 38, wherein said hinge further comprises said first end of said movable arm of said bracket of each of said gutter arrangement and said downspout arrangement having:a) an outermost surface; b) an innermost surface being convex, and conforming to, and rotating in said concave of said second end of said stationary arm of said bracket of an associated one of said gutter arrangement and said downspout arrangement; and c) a throughbore extending horizontally therethrough, from said innermost surface thereof to said outermost surface thereof.
- 40. The system as defined in claim 39, wherein said hinge further comprises a bolt that has a head and extends in said throughbore in said second end of said stationary arm of said bracket of said associated one of said gutter arrangement and downspout arrangement and said throughbore in said first end of said movable arm of said bracket of said associated one of said gutter arrangement and said downspout arrangement.
- 41. The system as defined in claim 40, wherein said hinge further comprises a first washer that has said bolt pass therethrough, and is disposed between said head of said bolt and said outermost surface of said second end of said stationary arm of said bracket of said associated one of said gutter arrangement and said downspout arrangement.
- 42. The system as defined in claim 40, wherein said hinge further comprises a coil spring that has tension and said bolt pass therethrough, and is disposed against said outermost surface of said first end of said movable arm of said bracket of said associated one of said gutter arrangement and said downspout arrangement.
- 43. The system as defined in claim 42, wherein said hinge further comprises a second washer that has said bolt pass therethrough, and is disposed against said coil spring, and captures said coil spring against said outermost surface of said first end of said movable arm of said bracket of said associated one of said gutter arrangement and said downspout arrangement.
- 44. The system as defined in claim 43, wherein said hinge further comprises a nut that threadably engages said bolt, and is disposed against said second washer thereof, and when threaded relative to said bolt, changes said tension of said coil spring thereof for determining at what weight of the ice dam buildup, said movable arm of said bracket of said associated one of said gutter arrangement and said downspout arrangement will pivot downwardly.
US Referenced Citations (18)
