This disclosure relates generally to a gutter cleaning system, and more particularly to a gutter cleaning system that is capable of automatically cleaning rain gutters attached to a structure.
Rain gutter systems are attached to dwellings, homes, and other structures for removing rain water from a roof to deposit rain water away from the structure. Providing a dedicated path of rain water flow helps to prevent soil erosion around the structure, protects the foundation of the structure, and prevents leaks in basements. The rain gutter system typically consists of a horizontal gutter section that is used to collect rain water, a vertical downspout connected to the gutter to remove the rain water from the gutter, and an elbow to direct rain water away from the downspout. Over time, debris may accumulate in the horizontal gutter. Debris, such as leaves, dirt, rocks, paper, birds, bird droppings, tennis balls, may clog the gutter and cause various problems. In particular, debris may quickly decompose and clog not only the horizontal gutter section but also the downspout. Accumulated debris may be a fire hazard and may lead to premature wear of roof shingles when water is backed up under the shingles. Due to the gutter being clogged, water may cascade over the edge of the gutter and cause soil erosion and water leakage defeating the purpose of the gutter. Other damage caused by clogged gutters may include foundation cracking and settling, dry-rot on fascia boards, soffit, and roof, paint damage, window, door and siding damage, and mold damage. As can be appreciated, being able to prevent clogging of the gutter is important in prolonging the life of a structure being protected by the gutter.
One known way to clean a gutter is to have an individual climb a ladder and manually clean out the gutter of any debris. Cleaning by this method may be dangerous in that the individual may fall off the ladder, require numerous attempts to clean the gutter, and may require multiple trips up and down the ladder. Other complex gutter cleaning systems and devices have been proposed, but such systems and devices are difficult to install, are difficult to maintain, are labor intensive, and are expensive. In an attempt to prevent clogging some manufacturers have developed leaf guards or screens which consists of either a metal grating or screen that is placed over the horizontal gutter section or a metal cap that allows only water to enter into the horizontal gutter section. Although these devices appear to solve the problem of debris accumulation, it is known that debris can cover the metal grating or the metal cap allowing water to cascade over the gutter leading to soil erosion or water damage.
The present disclosure is designed to obviate and overcome many of the disadvantages and shortcomings experienced with prior gutter cleaning systems or methods. Moreover, the present disclosure is related to a gutter cleaning system that can be easily operated or employed to remove debris from gutters. The gutter cleaning system of the present disclosure is also simple to use due to remote operation of the system. Further the gutter cleaning system of the present disclosure does not require any moving parts to clean gutters.
In one form of the present disclosure, a gutter cleaning system is disclosed which comprises an air line for receiving air, a first section having a first end and a second end, the first end adapted to being connected to the air line, the first section having an aperture formed therein, and a head assembly connected to the second end of the first section, the head assembly having an arm portion having an aperture.
In another form of the present disclosure, a gutter cleaning system comprises an air line for receiving air, a first section having a first end and a second end, the first end adapted to being connected to the air line, the first section having an aperture formed therein, a head assembly connected to the second end of the first section, the head assembly having an arm portion having an aperture formed therein, and a clip for securing the first section to a gutter.
In still another form of the present disclosure, a gutter cleaning system comprises an air line having a first end and a second end with the first end for receiving air, an elbow connector having a first end and a second end with the first end adapted to being connected to the second end of the air line, a first section having a first end and a second end, the first end adapted to being connected to the second end of the elbow, the first section having an aperture formed therein, a tee connector having a first end, a second end, and a third end, the first end adapted to being connected to the second end of the first section, a head assembly connected to the second end of the tee connector, the head assembly having an arm portion having an aperture formed therein, a second section having a first end and a second end, the first end adapted to being connected to the third end of the tee connector, the second section having an aperture formed therein and an end cap for covering the second end of the second section.
In light of the foregoing comments, it will be recognized that the gutter cleaning system of the present disclosure is of simple construction and design and which can be easily employed with highly reliable results.
The present disclosure provides a gutter cleaning system that can be operated automatically to clean gutters.
The present disclosure provides a gutter cleaning system that is easy to use, store, and transport to an installation site.
The present disclosure provides a gutter cleaning system that is lightweight, compact, and durable.
The present disclosure also provides a gutter cleaning system that can be constructed using readily available materials and components.
The present disclosure also provides a gutter cleaning system that allows an interior of a gutter to be cleaned and a top of a gutter having a leaf guard to be cleaned.
The present disclosure is also directed to a gutter cleaning system that does not require an individual to be near the gutter to clean the gutter.
The present disclosure further provides a gutter cleaning system that may be easily configured and installed to clean gutters of different shapes, sizes, and lengths.
The present disclosure is also directed to a gutter cleaning system that may comprised component parts that may be installed in sections to accommodate and clean gutters of different lengths.
The present disclosure provides a gutter cleaning system that may be installed by a professional or by a homeowner and does not require any specialized tools or training to install the gutter cleaning system.
The present disclosure is further directed to a gutter cleaning system that may be quickly installed on a structure, such as a house, by using commonly available tools and equipment.
These and other advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent after considering the following detailed specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like items, number 10 identifies a preferred embodiment of a gutter cleaning system constructed according to the present disclosure. Referring now to
As can be appreciated, in operation the air compressor 28 is turned on to provide compressed air through the shut off valve 30, the air line 12, the first section 14 out through the apertures 20 in the first section 14 and the apertures 26 and 42 of the head assemblies 22 and 38. The compressed air is capable of moving any debris in the gutter 32 down or out of the gutter 32 by use of the head assemblies 22 and 38. Also, if the gutter 32 is fitted with a screen or other type device then the compressed air flowing through the apertures 20 will blow any debris on the screen off of the screen and away from the gutter 32. The air line 12 and the first section 14 may be any length that is required to clean any length of the gutter 32. The air compressor 26 may be positioned at a remote location or within the structure 34. Although not shown, the air compressor 28 may be connected to a timer, or a computer, or a WiFi connected device for selectively or automatically operating the gutter cleaning system 10. For example, the gutter cleaning system 10 may be programmed to run twice a day for a predetermined period of time in order to clean the gutter 32. It is also possible that the gutter cleaning system 10 may have an app or other software program so that the system 10 may be operated from a smartphone. The air compressor 28 may be a commercially available device that is used to produce compressed air. By way of example only, the volume of air delivered may be from 10 to 40 cubic feet per minute (cfm) and the amount of pressure that the compressor 28 is able to develop is 50 to 250 pounds per square inch (psi). The air line 12 and the first section 14 may be a plastic or rubber tubing or air hose that is capable of withstanding 250 to 500 pounds of pressure per square inch. By way of example only, PEX tubing may be used for the air line 12 and the first section 14. PEX tubing is a cross-linked polyethylene pipe manufactured using extrusion method. PEX tubing or pipe is cost-effective, flexible, durable, and easy to install.
The gutter cleaning system 100 may operate in the following manner. The air compressor (not shown) is turned on to provide compressed air through the shut off valve, if present, the air line 112, the elbow connector 118, the first section 126, the tee connector 138, the head assembly (not shown), and the second section 140. Compressed air is allowed to flow out of the apertures 132 in the first section 126 and the apertures 146 of the second section 140. Compressed air that flows out of the apertures 132 and 146 are used to move debris on the screen 110 away from the screen 110 and the gutter 104. As will be discussed further herein, compressed air is capable of moving any debris in the gutter 104 down or out of the gutter 104 by use of the head assembly (not shown). The air line 112, the first section 126, and the second section 140 may be any length that is required to clean any length of the gutter 104. Although not shown, it is possible that a number of first sections 126, second sections 140, tee connectors 138, head assemblies, and clip devices 136 may be used depending on the length of the gutter 104. In essence, the gutter cleaning system 100 may be scaled to any size of gutter 104. Due to the system 100 being capable of being scaled, this provides for the system 100 to be installed by either a professional or a homeowner. It is also possible that the system 100 may be provided in a kit form to be installed by a homeowner. Although the air line 112 is shown running along an exterior side of the house 102, it is possible that the air line 112 may be inserted or hidden within the house 102. The air compressor may be positioned at a remote location or within the house 102. Although not shown, the air compressor may be connected to a timer, or a computer, or a WiFi connected device for selectively or automatically operating the gutter cleaning system 100. For example, the gutter cleaning system 100 may be programmed to run twice a day for a predetermined period of time in order to clean the gutter 104. As has been indicated, it is also possible that the gutter cleaning system 100 may have an app or other software program so that the system 100 may be operated from a smartphone.
With reference now to
From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has thus been shown and described herein a gutter cleaning system which fulfills the various objects and advantages sought therefor. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of the subject gutter cleaning system are possible and contemplated. All changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure are deemed to be covered by the disclosure, which is limited only by the claims which follow.